Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool
Curriculum
Trinity Preschool sees each child as a special child. We strive to give each child an opportunity to grow in all developmental activities. We provide children with a large variety of materials and experience for "hands-on" learning. Both structured and unstructured times are scheduled during the school day.
Our curriculum provides activities that integrate practical skills and imagination. We use a thematic approach in planning our activities. We integrate the teaching of reading readiness, language arts, math concepts, science, the development of small and gross motor skills, and social interactions with the areas of art, music, drama, and movement.
| 2008-2009 Curricular Themes | ||
| September | Self Esteem/Feelings | |
| October | Fall/Harvest/Halloween/Safety | |
| November | Nutrition/Health/Manners/Thanksgiving/Family | |
| December | Christmas/Holidays/Programs | |
| January | Winter/Animals/Hibernation/Community Helpers/Transportation/Martin Luther King Jr./Father’s Day | |
| February | Presidents/Valentine’s Day/Feelings/Senses | |
| March | Spring/Plants/St. Patrick’s Day/Easter | |
| April | Animals/Insects/Earth/Parent Conferences | |
| May | Parent Conferences/Mother’s Day/Reptiles/Dinosaurs | |
| June | Father’s Day/Sea Life/Summer | |
Components in our Daily Routine
Focused Interest Centers – Areas within each classroom where children can engage in focused, creative play. Typical areas include a quiet area to look at books, dramatic play areas such as a kitchen, grocery store, and doctor or veterinarian office, an area to construct with blocks, areas to use manipulatives, sensory experience tables, a dress-up center and art centers offering a variety of different mediums.
Story Time – During story time the children come together to hear a story read by their teacher. Story time develops listening, language and recall skills using books, poems, songs and stories.
Sharing – As part of their classroom activities your child’s teacher may decide to have special share time. During this time a child may share an item from home with their class. Share time affords each child a chance to develop language and listening skills. Children are not required to speak to the group if they are not comfortable doing so. Books, records, a picture, a special toy or a piece of nature are all appropriate share items. Alternatively, children may choose to share a story or memorable event. Guns, weapons of any sort and toy guns or weapons are not allowed at school at any time.
Music Time – We at Trinity believe that exposure to music appreciation and education at an early age is an important component of child development. Trinity offers a weekly music class taught by Orff music teachers Karla Devine or Lynn Kleiner. Musical principles such as timing, rhythm, tone, high and low notes, and soft and loud volume will be taught through movement, singing and use of a variety of instruments. Music time, in addition to singing and dramatic play during class time, afford opportunities to engage in creative movement, developing both small and large motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Chapel Time – Of critical importance to our program is Trinity’s chapel time. Chapel time is held once a week, usually in the Sanctuary. The children will sing songs and hear a bible message or story from the Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, Orff music teacher or a member of the staff. Chapel time is a unique time to worship through songs, stories of God and his love for us and prayer. We at Trinity know that the messages of morality, self respect and love for one another communicated in our weekly chapel time are vital to each child’s emotional and spiritual development.
Snacks – Each child will be provided a low sugar, nutritious snack each school day. Each snack will include at least one serving from two or more of the four major food groups. Snack time provides an opportunity for the children to learn about nutrition and basic table etiquette. Snack will be served mid-morning for the morning program, and mid-afternoon for the afternoon program. If your child has allergies to certain foods you may provide your own snack. Please notify the director of any food allergy. Menus for the upcoming month will be posted one week in advance in the two bulletin boards located on campus. Copies of menus for the prior month are available for review in the director’s office.
Outdoor Play – Time focused on developing large motor coordination skills. Children may ride bikes, play in playhouses, climb and slide on climbing structures, paint at easels and play with sand and water.
Manhattan Beach, CA
310-379-7413