PreschoolPreK-3
Our 3s Program begins building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social-emotional development, and motor skills development to prepare students for future success in PreK-4 and kindergarten.
We use an evidence-based program designed by Boston Public Schools and modified to fit our setting in Baltimore called Focus on PreK. The 3s program uses their Focus on 3s curriculum, which is additionally supplemented by Heggerty’s Phonological Awareness program in literacy and Singapore Dimensions Math PreK A in mathematics. This allows for all domains and areas of learning to be aligned and integrated while providing a specific scope and sequence of skills in literacy and math to better assess student learning and progress.
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 as a basis of learning.
Curriculum
Language Arts
Writing is important for developing reading skills, and the collection of children’s stories in Focus on PreK builds strong pre-writing skills. 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 or building a class book based on children’s artwork and stories about their pictures.
Our 3s spend time every day reading books out loud and in small groups; they listen to nursery rhymes, poems, and short stories. They also begin distinguishing between different sounds in words, understanding rhyme, and exploring how sounds make words with Heggerty’s Phonological Awareness curriculum. 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 through the Singapore Dimensions Math PreK program. During playtime and centers, we develop these skills. We may ask the students to count how many blocks are in a Lego tower, sort by color and shape, 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
Our 3s explore concepts such as family and identify who is in their family. They talk about community helpers and ask what a letter carrier, teacher or nurse does. Through play, stories, and community meetings, they begin to understand the people around us.
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
