EARLY CHILDHOOD
Establishing a Biblical Foundation & Awakening a Love for Learning
Little Eagles, Pre-Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten
We aim to lay a solid foundation during these formative years with a focus on whole child development. While providing a sound academic program, we also foster our students' spiritual, social and emotional growth to help them flourish in the years to come. With a dual focus on play-based and skill-based learning, we help children discover their natural, God-given uniqueness within a loving and nurturing environment.
Playing to Learn
Pre-Kindergarten Keys to Success
Mrs. Carter’s Pre-Kindergartners can’t wait to see what they will play at school each day. Shhh! Don’t tell them that they’re learning a lot!
What appears to be playing at the housekeeping center is actually teaching these eager three- and four-year olds math skills as they use measuring cups and writing skills as they create grocery lists.
“It's a play-based atmosphere. We don’t have worksheets to showcase learning. It’s hands-on play,” says ECS pre-kindergarten teacher Molly Carter. “Their brains are still developing at this age. When they play, the whole brain is engaged. They are realizing crucial connections. Their social, emotional abilities are strengthened through play.”
Research tells us that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age five. While a newborn baby is born with all of the brain cells (neurons) he or she will need throughout life, it is the connections between these cells that enable us to move, think, and communicate. With at least one million new neural connections (synapses) made every second, more than any other time in life, the early childhood years are crucial for brain development. 1
And play is the best curriculum. According to American Academy of Pediatrics experts, “Play is not frivolous: it enhances brain structure and function and promotes executive function, which allow us to pursue goals and ignore distractions.” 2
The Pre-Kindergarten program is serious about focusing on pre-writing, letter recognition, number recognition and number sense, which is how numbers and values are tied together, as well as shapes and colors. But the way Mrs. Carter teaches these skills is always a lot of fun.
A favorite day is when the class hosts a pet show. Students bring their stuffed animals to school and present their furry friends to their classmates, taking great pride in sharing about their animals and showcasing their special tricks. Who knew a stuffed monkey can do a cartwheel? “They are so proud to share with their friends what their pets do,” Mrs. Carter reflects. “It’s a great imaginative piece that teaches them public speaking skills at an early age.”
“I truly believe that children are so much more prepared for their entire academic career if they experience Pre-Kindergarten,” Mrs. Carter said. “What they learn in Pre-Kindergarten sets them up well academically for the rest of their school career.”
And it sure is a lot of fun!
1 “Brain Development,” www.firstthingsfirst.org
2 Yogman, Michael, Andrew Garner, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff,
“The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children,” American Academy of Pediatrics News & Journals Gateway: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org
Look What I Can Do!
Students Learn These Valuable Skills in Pre-Kindergarten: