212 Lawrence Street, Methuen MA 01844
Our Early Childhood Center is designed to encourage children to learn in a faith-filled, safe, kind, and confident environment. We cultivate our program with play, social, and age-appropriate learning skills. Keeping in mind that children learn in many different ways, we introduce students to center-based learning. The benefit of this environment is to introduce multiple ways to learn concepts and skills that are so important in your child’s early years. We also introduce them to full class instruction, how to stay seated, actively listen, and follow directions. The curriculum is all brought together to prepare the students to become successful saints and scholars.
Religion
Religion is immediately integrated into your child’s school day. We always start our day wishing Jesus a “Good Morning”. The children learn that God and Jesus are always a part of their day. We teach your child how to bless themselves and introduce them to reciting the prayers Our Father and Hail Mary. In addition, your child is taught that God loves us and understands that God created the world. We learn about the 7 Days of Creation and are introduced to Holy Days. Students will listen to Old and New Testament Bible stories.
Literacy
In literacy, children will master the alphabet song and be introduced to upper and lower case letters and their sounds. During a typical week, we will not only practice tracing/writing a specific letter, but we will also explore this letter in multiple ways. We will read books about this letter, we will learn about words and items that start with this letter, we will also integrate activities, crafts, science, and even social studies to include this letter.
The children are introduced to storytelling and develop their listening skills. Students will be able to draw a picture related to a story read to them, identifying the parts of a story in sequential order: the beginning, middle, and end, and eventually dictate sentences to describe their artwork. In addition, we will work on position words (under/over, between, inside/outside). Students will also be able to repeat nursery rhymes and fingerplays. Phonologically, students will be introduced to rhyming syllables and basic alliteration.
Math
In Math, children will work on the following:
Science & Social Studies
Our science and social studies programs are built around topics related to the children’s everyday life experiences. Based on the student’s enthusiasm and understanding, we cover topics like: The Body, 5 Senses, Insects, Animals, Weather, Nutrition, Plants, Dinosaurs, Magnets, Sink or Float, Space, Community Helpers, Recycling/Environmental topics, Manners and Kindness.
Creative Arts
Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc. They will use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, art chalk, and clay.
Students will sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum and participate in movement activities and dances A variety of children’s instruments will be introduced as well as scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms.
Students will participate in dramatic play and act out familiar stories.
Social Skills
Students will practice problem-solving skills in social situations. Preschoolers will work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects. It is expected that students will share classroom materials, practice using manners, and communicate his/her needs. Students will take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, roll up the nap mat, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, etc.
Students will state personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country, and practice speaking in front of their classmates.
Preschoolers will also participate in projects to help others in need.
Religion – Sadlier We Believe
The kindergarten religion curriculum teaches students to become a disciple of Jesus Christ through prayers, stories, and lessons that teach about God and his love for us. Students will learn about their faith, how to show love and respect, pray daily, share their faith with others, and live out their faith.
Reading – Superkids Reading Program
Superkids is an interactive phonics-based reading program. Students in kindergarten will learn the letters of the alphabet, one sound for each letter, and apply skills to blend letter sounds to read and write words and sentences. Students practice handwriting in each lesson.
Math – Sadlier Math
The kindergarten math curriculum provides a cohesive grouping of lessons that fosters an understanding of mathematical skills and concepts through instruction, practice, and real-world applications. The lessons include sorting, counting, and writing numbers to 31, two- and three-dimensional shapes, addition, subtraction, measurement, time, and money.
Social Studies – Scholastic Let’s Find Out Magazines
Scholastic Let’s Find Out Magazines supports learning for kindergarteners with articles about seasonal topics that build knowledge and vocabulary.
Science – Scholastic Science Spin
Science Spin provides engaging, on-level lessons featuring simple and fun science topics for kindergarten.
