Pre-Kindergarten

PreK

In Pre-Kindergarten, our foundational belief is that children are strong, capable, and confident; and they should be treated with respect and dignity. We partner with our PreK parents on their child’s learning journey throughout the year.

In PreK, we begin the year by exploring and thinking about who we are as individuals and how we exist as a part of different communities and cultures.

Social and Emotional learning is woven into activities throughout the day and included in all disciplines. We are committed to helping students develop positive relationships with peers and adults, develop empathy for others, as well as skills for handling challenging situations effectively.

In early mathematics, students are surrounded with a rich variety of math manipulatives and engage with them in different ways throughout the day. Students work on counting, sorting, number values, patterns, and simple number combinations using math manipulatives and classroom materials, through songs, stories, and play.

The PreK program provides the foundation for literacy learning. Students are exposed to a print-rich environment that allows them to practice literacy skills in real-life experiences, and are taught explicit concepts to help further their development. Language and vocabulary is developed throughout the day by speaking and listening as we share memories, stories, books, songs, and rhymes. Throughout the year, a student will demonstrate knowledge of the alphabet (letters and sounds), understand concepts of print, comprehend various texts, use emerging reading skills, write letters and words, and understand the purpose of writing. Most importantly, a love for reading and writing will be encouraged within each student as they are provided opportunities to use their growing abilities.

Students participate in meaningful discovery of the physical and natural world. Their natural curiosity about the world around them is harnessed and guided through observing, thinking, and exploration. Students learn to observe, describe, compare, contrast, question, predict, and analyze features of the natural world.

Art

PreK students participate in a variety of art projects to assist in developing fine motor skills and understand basic art ideas and concepts through different art mediums. Skills included are drawing, painting, cutting, ripping and gluing. The concepts include some basic color theory (primary, secondary, complimentary colors), line weight, and basic composition. Students participate in painting/drawing, collage, ceramic sculpture, pottery, and plaster use.

SEL

The Reggio Emilia approach is an inclusive, village-style approach that engages children, parents, and the community as essential components of the learning process. In PreK, students receive guidance and positive reinforcement as they learn to interact as a member of the community. We focus on each student’s healthy development in a variety of areas. Children learn how to socialize by interacting with each other while observed and guided by caring and experienced teachers. We help students develop physical awareness and grow emotionally to help build skills and understandings of their bodies, hearts, and minds. Free play is central to social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development. Students learn to engage with peers in play and we promote this growth through block building, dramatic play, manipulatives, games, and projects.

Music

In PreK, our students participate in a music program outside of the classroom with our Music Teacher, specifically designed for their developmental level. The program is an early multicultural introduction to rhythm, instrumentation, and voice. Students explore rhythm, pitch, steady beat, and more by listening and moving their bodies to different songs, chants, and stories.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program at BCD is designed to build and develop the students’ physical skills and teach the students the importance of being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In PreK, early childhood students transition to BCD’s full size gymnasium twice a week for Physical Education. The program focuses on building gross motor skills with a variety of equipment including balls, cones, hoops, etc. The teacher focuses on instilling confidence in the students by creating an encouraging and supportive environment.

Outdoor Learning

BCD features a beautiful campus which is waiting to be explored. PreK students are outside throughout the school day, playing on our playgrounds, walking the campus trails, exploring the perimeter of Barrett Pond, or following butterflies in the BCD Children’s Garden.