early childhood academics
In the Early Childhood program at the Regis School of the Sacred Heart, a boy is welcomed into a friendly atmosphere that nurtures positive self-esteem and promotes boy-centered learning in every aspect of his educational journey: spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally. Our goal is to set the foundation for a life-long love of learning in each boy.
3 and 4 Pre-Kindergarten students are introduced to the appropriate developmental skills for cognitive growth, personal and social behavior, as well as development of fine and gross motor skills. Our teachers love teaching boys and are skilled in helping them grow into our youngest Scholars and Gentlemen.
Early Childhood Curriculum
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Religion
- Science
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- Art
- MakerSpace
- Music
- Physical Education
- Library
- Character Development
Language Arts
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Students work on expressive and receptive oral language, pre-writing, and pre-reading skills. During daily circle time, the boys listen, share, and learn to comprehend while hearing stories read aloud. Through the Letter People Program, the students “meet” each letter of the alphabet, learn its sound, what it looks like, words that begin with the letter, and how to write the uppercase letter. Students build pre-writing skills as they strengthen and learn to control small hand muscles through center activities that include picking up objects with tweezers, using scissors, and practicing eye-hand coordination. Students increase oral language skills as they learn to follow more complex directions, learn rhyming stories and songs, speak in complete sentences, and communicate their thoughts and concerns with words. Learning Without Tears uses multisensory readiness activities to develop crucial readiness and pre-writing skills. Language Arts is incorporated throughout daily learning.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: Expanding on the 3 Pre-K curriculum of developing both 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. Students learn to recognize letters, consonant and short vowel sounds, to print upper and lowercase letters, and to dictate stories. 4PK also uses the Learning Without Tears program which uses multisensory readiness activities to develop crucial readiness and pre-writing skills. Language Arts is incorporated throughout daily learning.
Mathematics
The Regis Early Childhood Mathematics curriculum is guided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) best practices highlighting communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and connections. The Early Childhood Mathematics core curriculum includes the Number Corner and TouchMath programs. These comprehensive programs provide pathways to conceptual understanding and procedural fluency needed as students progress to the Regis Lower School Mathematics program.
3 Pre-Kindergarten: In Regis 3 Pre-K mathematics, the focus is on developing number sense and building a solid foundation for future mathematics success. Students are introduced to an array of mathematical concepts and skills through movement and manipulatives. Daily activities are designed to maximize children’s natural curiosity by helping them explore patterns and connections in the world around them through contextual themes, games, stories, and visual models.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: The Regis 4 Pre-K math program continues the focus on developing a strong number sense through interactive play and multi-sensory activities. Concepts are introduced and explored through whole group lessons, partner activities, small group instruction, and math workstations.
Religion
3 Pre-Kindergarten: The 3 Pre-K religion program is designed to instill an awareness of God’s love as seen in His creations. Instruction revolves around Bible stories and lessons that are then reinforced with current applications for life through the Sacred Heart Goals. The teachers emphasize the importance of prayer throughout the day and reverence during Eucharistic liturgies and prayer services. In these ways, young students learn to love God and each other. Religion is taught daily unless a Liturgy or major prayer service takes place.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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.
Science
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Students participate in hands-on experiments in which they explore and observe. The focus is on exploring the world around them by using age-appropriate tools to conduct investigations and share observations. Students learn to distinguish between natural and manmade objects; observe properties of weight, size, color, and texture; learn about life cycles and basic needs of all living things. Science instruction is integrated into everyday learning.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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.
Social Studies
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Social studies is embedded within every part of the 3 Pre-K curriculum. Young students are taught the importance of self, family, and community; how they are interrelated and also work interdependently. Social studies and the Sacred Heart Goals are incorporated into every unit.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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.
Spanish
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Students will be introduced to the Spanish language in a fun and interactive way by exploring topics that are important for everyday life. The course will utilize songs and rhymes, games, stories, and technology. Students will also learn to pray in Spanish.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: Students will develop an understanding of the Spanish language by improving their vocabulary, oral expression and by learning the basic concepts of phonics. Students will develop their language skills in a creative and interactive way with essential topics that may be used in real life situations. They will also learn to pray and sing prayerful songs in Spanish.
Art
MakerSpace
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Utilizing age-appropriate software and programs, students become familiar with basic technology skills, as well as two-dimensional building and creating. MakerSpace meets two times in an 8-day rotation.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: Utilizing age-appropriate software and programs, students become familiar with basic computer use, terminology, robotics, and programming. Additionally, students learn proper use of the mouse and keyboard. MakerSpace meets two times in an 8-day rotation.
Music
3 Pre-Kindergarten: Students learn about music through singing, body movement, and using rhythm instruments. The students are introduced to many types of music allowing them to experience differences in volume, tone, and quality of sounds. The boys learn songs to share at prayer services and liturgies. Each year, the students participate in the Christmas program. Music class meets two times in an 8-day rotation.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: Students 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 two times in an 8-day rotation.
Physical Education
3 Pre-Kindergarten: 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 improving specific skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking. Students are individually paced with personal goals to encourage growth and increase strength, balance, and coordination in a safe, well-monitored environment. Physical education class meets daily.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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 class meets daily.
Library
3 Pre-Kindergarten: 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 when they visit the library. Boys visit the library for 30 minutes two times in an 8-day rotation.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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 when they visit the library. Boys visit the library for 30 minutes two times in an 8-day rotation.
Character Development
3 Pre-Kindergarten: In 3 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.
4 Pre-Kindergarten: 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.