Expanding on the 3 Pre-K curriculum of expressive and receptive oral language, 4 Pre-K students develop confidence in the visual and auditory skills necessary for logical thinking and reading readiness. During circle time, students participate in class discussions, increase communication skills, and follow multistep directions. Through the Rowland Reading Foundation’s Happily Ever After program and the Frog Street Press Sing and Read Alphabet Series, students learn to recognize letters, consonant and short vowel sounds, to print upper and lower case letters, and to dictate stories.

4 Pre-K students strengthen their fine motor skills with the use of classroom manipulatives, such as blocks, zippers, snaps, string beads, and puzzles. Class lessons and center time reinforce correct pencil grip. Students begin printing messages and continue with coordinated use of eyes and hands. They are taught that print begins from the top to the bottom and that they read from left to right. The boys recognize labels and signs and are introduced to basic sight words. Language Arts is incorporated throughout daily learning.

4 Pre-K students are taught using the TouchMath System. They continue to focus on developing number sense, are introduced to the concepts of addition and subtraction, and learn problem solving strategies. They begin to estimate, count by 5’s and 10’s, identify and create patterns, measure, sequence, and graph. This learning occurs in whole group lessons, small group lessons, partner activities, and at math workstations. Mathematics is taught daily.

The goal of the 4 Pre-K religion program is to develop an awareness of God, His love and the gifts He has given us. During daily lesson time, students continue to learn about the Sacred Heart Goals, participate in daily prayers, and learn proper reverential behavior. Bible stories and important figures from the Old and New Testament are learned and discussed. Religion is taught daily unless a Liturgy or prayer service takes place.

4 Pre-K students are introduced to earth, physical, and life sciences through hands-on experiences that encourage discovery and critical thinking. The boys develop skills to observe, classify, and interpret the world around them. Students will demonstrate safe practices and appropriate use of materials when exploring and share observations with classmates through pictures and discussions. Science instruction is integrated into everyday learning.

4 Pre-K students learn about respect for all cultures and cooperation with others. They develop an awareness of the community and how everyone has a duty in it as well as the idea of stewardship. Social Studies and the Sacred Heart Goals are incorporated into every unit.

Art education at the Pre-K and kindergarten level encourages early discovery and exploration through the introduction of various art media, tools, process, and techniques. The perceptual, sensory, and manipulative development of students is emphasized at this time.

Students in 4 Pre-K continue to learn about music through singing, creative body movement, and using various musical instruments. The boys learn songs to share at prayer services and liturgies. Each year, the students have parts in the Christmas program. Music class meets twice a week.

4 Pre-K students participate in physical education classes to improve their gross motor skills through whole body exercise such as running, jumping, and climbing. Additionally, students will focus on continuing to improve skills such as throwing, kicking, balancing, and playing games with quick reactions. Students are individually paced with personal goals to encourage growth and increase strength, balance and coordination in a safe, well-monitored environment. Physical education instruction is given five days a week.

Utilizing age-appropriate software and programs, 4 Pre-K students become familiar with basic computer use, terminology, robotics, and programming. Additionally, students learn proper use of the mouse and keyboard. Technology is used throughout the day in the classroom with the Smart Board and i-Pads. MakerSpace is twice a week.

Library classes are designed to promote a lifelong love of reading and books. The students enjoy story time while learning about sequencing, rhyming, and simple story structure. Students learn how to find, care for, and respect books. The boys are able to check out a book each week when they visit the library for 30 minutes.

In 4 Pre-K, an emphasis is placed on developing the positive self-image that is essential to everyone in the early stages of childhood. The boys experience success, learn acceptance of self, develop self-confidence, and a sense of personal space. They begin to develop perseverance, learn to complete tasks and work willingly and independently. The students are guided to use good manners, show empathy for others, treat their teachers, classmates and belongings with respect, and work cooperatively with others.