PreschoolPreK-3
Our 3s Program is intended to help children progress in recognizing and communicating their feelings and emotions.
With the assistance of a program called Second Step, we help your child learn to name his/her emotions. We explore coping mechanisms for dealing with “big emotions” and we engage in meaningful conversations. We introduce mindfulness and breathing techniques into the class every day.
At age 3, a child will begin developing more confidence and independence and they respond to simple directions. We build more awareness of and encouragement to follow classroom rules and we use cooperative play.
Curriculum
Language Arts
Writing is important for developing reading skills. Through writing, our 3s come to understand that words represent ideas. We use activities such as dictating a thank-you note to go with a picture after a firefighter visits the classroom.
Our 3s spend time every day reading books out loud and in small groups; they listen to nursery rhymes, poems, and short stories. They begin to recognize letters and shapes and practice rhyming words. Our goal is to build phonological awareness, expand vocabulary and develop comprehension (“What happens next?” “Where did she go?”).
Mathematics
During our 3s program, our students begin understanding math concepts and developing math skills. During playtime, we develop these skills. We may ask the students to count how many blocks are in a Lego tower, sort by color and shape, and understand quantity and measure items at the sensory table.
Science
We begin to develop scientific thinking by helping our 3s to use senses to learn about the world. They make connections among things they see, such as seeds growing in cups that become plants. They bring snow in from the playground to see how long it takes to melt and what it looks like after it has melted.
Our 3s begin using tools, such as a magnifying glass to look at leaves and feathers or a scale to sort and compare items. Through enrichment programs and special visits, we learn about animals and the natural world.
When Irvine Nature Center brings a hawk, snake or hedgehog to the classroom, our students love to talk about what the animal eats and its natural habitat.
Social Studies
Physical Development
Every day includes activities that help with the physical development of our 3s.
We provide time for exercise and play outside with tricycles, scooters and sliding boards and inside with creative movement.
We also have a focus on wellness with time for stretching and yoga.
Class Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:20-8:45 | Drop off and breakfast |
| 8:45-9:00 | Morning Meeting |
| 9:00-10:30 | Literacy |
| 10:30-12:00 | Math |
| 12:00-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:00 | Quiet Work |
| 1:00-1:45 | Specials |
| 1:45-2:00 | Read Aloud |
| 2:00-2:30 | Recess |
| 2:30-3:00 | Centers |
| 3:00-3:30 | Snack/Dismissal |
“I really want my son to be in a private school environment where he is getting more one-on-one attention from his teachers. This would not be possible for us without The Loyola School.”
TLS Parent
