What are your children learning at Preschool?

[Camno's Mama]

Thanks for all your insights and posts. I am hoping things will go better. I talked to the teacher today and she wasn't aware of my DD being fearful about anything. ( Yes, I will probally be labeled as "that mom" ) Now that she is aware of it, she said that she would pay more attention to my DD's reaction to things being taught at school. I didn't ask her to change anything but to help me find resources to help my DD overcome these new "fears". My DD has a very vivid imagination that seems to take over at times. I can see why "stingers and mosquitos that bite" would scare her. We will keep playing it out hoping it doesn't last to long. Oh to be talking about letters, writing, and reading...why couldn't all this science stuff wait until 1st grade ?!

Anyone know of any good bug or dinosaur books?

Definitely hit the library. We have gotten some wonderful books about both topics. They have ones with real pictures and lots of descriptions. There is an author that does really cute books about dinosaurs. I can't remember the name, but they incorporate table manners and bedtimes and stuff. You should also read "Where the Wild Things Are"...shows how scary things aren't all that scary.

I'm sure they don't think you're "that mom". Most teachers, myself included, appreciate knowing what's going on with your kid. They just don't always realize that kids are afraid. Some save it until they get home, and don't say a word about it at school. Those are very common preschool topics, and most kids love them. Every once in a while, you get one that's afraid at first. Keep exposing her to it...she'll be a bug and dinosaur loving expert by the time Halloween rolls around!

 

[Camno's Mama]

As a Pre-K teacher I am apallled to learn that some schools are sending home worksheets with Pre-K kids - Wroksheets are not developmentally appropriate!!! Ok - now that I got that out, I can go back and take some deep breaths in my safe space and ponder the beauty of a child led classroom where we go off on many tangents based on my over all theme of Transportation next week. I wonder how we will get to school and I wonder how the kids will choose to walk - green light fast, yellow light slow and careful or just stop instead.

Pre- K is more for social skills than doing homework! Yes, society is forcing our kids to grow up too fast and to be ready for academics in Kindergarten so they can be on target for assessments and tests! (EEEEEK) but I believe that we need to bring back the self help skills, the sitting quietly and waiting skills, and the ability to talk through your problems skills instead of sitting and doing paperwork.

Well said! I couldn't agree more.

 

[DopeysMommy]

Definitely hit the library. We have gotten some wonderful books about both topics. They have ones with real pictures and lots of descriptions. There is an author that does really cute books about dinosaurs. I can't remember the name, but they incorporate table manners and bedtimes and stuff. You should also read "Where the Wild Things Are"...shows how scary things aren't all that scary.

I'm sure they don't think you're "that mom". Most teachers, myself included, appreciate knowing what's going on with your kid. They just don't always realize that kids are afraid. Some save it until they get home, and don't say a word about it at school. Those are very common preschool topics, and most kids love them. Every once in a while, you get one that's afraid at first. Keep exposing her to it...she'll be a bug and dinosaur loving expert by the time Halloween rolls around!

Jane Yolen. great dinosaur books

 

[princessmom29]

Thanks for all your insights and posts. I am hoping things will go better. I talked to the teacher today and she wasn't aware of my DD being fearful about anything. ( Yes, I will probally be labeled as "that mom" ) Now that she is aware of it, she said that she would pay more attention to my DD's reaction to things being taught at school. I didn't ask her to change anything but to help me find resources to help my DD overcome these new "fears". My DD has a very vivid imagination that seems to take over at times. I can see why "stingers and mosquitos that bite" would scare her. We will keep playing it out hoping it doesn't last to long. Oh to be talking about letters, writing, and reading...why couldn't all this science stuff wait until 1st grade ?!

Anyone know of any good bug or dinosaur books?

I love the book from about dinos and manners. I was one of those 5 dollar books at kohls a while back. As a science teacher I feel that is important that they get exposed to science earlier than 1st grade. It sparks their interest in the world around them, and in your daughter's case if she is not exposed to it her fears will only get worse by 1st grade.

As a Pre-K teacher I am apallled to learn that some schools are sending home worksheets with Pre-K kids - Wroksheets are not developmentally appropriate!!! Ok - now that I got that out, I can go back and take some deep breaths in my safe space and ponder the beauty of a child led classroom where we go off on many tangents based on my over all theme of Transportation next week. I wonder how we will get to school and I wonder how the kids will choose to walk - green light fast, yellow light slow and careful or just stop instead.

Pre- K is more for social skills than doing homework! Yes, society is forcing our kids to grow up too fast and to be ready for academics in Kindergarten so they can be on target for assessments and tests! (EEEEEK) but I believe that we need to bring back the self help skills, the sitting quietly and waiting skills, and the ability to talk through your problems skills instead of sitting and doing paperwork.

I am right there with you on the homework, but a limited number of worksheet type activities are necessary. How can you learn to write lettes if you never sit down with a piece of paper and pratice it?

Given your description, I think that I recognize the curriculum! To many parents it (content covered) seems soooo overwhelming but in the end MOST are amazed at what their child has accomplish through the year- not to mention quite proud! I hope your child is enjoying school.


QUOTE=princessmom29;27822072]My Dd is in K 4 and they are working on letter blends and other pre-reading phonics, addition and subtraction of numbers less than 10, basic geometry (how many sides does a triangle have), they have science lessons. She came how yesaterday explaining to me that the black spots in themiddle of the eye are called pupils and they get big when it is dark and small in bright light. It is a christian school so they do bible and learn bible verses. her teacher says they will be reading simple sentences by christmas and 2 vowel words by year end. They will also know numbers to 100. Edited to add thay they are also learning to write all letters in both cases (most of them have most of this) and their name

[/QUOTE]

It is a beka and I LOVE it. It is not and all overwhelming for us and DD is thriving. I think she would be seriously bored otherwise. I love that she is being challenged and loves learning new things. I teach a lot of things at home that are over and above what a beka does too. Mostly science stuff when the oppoutunity is there, like when she asks why something happens ect.

 

[mjantz]

I am right there with you on the homework, but a limited number of worksheet type activities are necessary. How can you learn to write lettes if you never sit down with a piece of paper and pratice it?

You offer a print-rich environment where they will want to learn to write. You put their names all over the room. You have a writing center where they can write whenever they want. You let them write their names on art work & other things that belong to them in the room.

I'm very against worksheets too because they honestly don't teach much of anything at that age.

 

[bartleby1]

My oldest was afraid of bugs and anything dirty or sticky (playdough and the sandbox took a long time before she could enjoy them). What finally worked to get over her fear of bugs was giving them names. For some reason, if she saw an ant outside and started to get squimish I would ask her to give the ant a name and ask her questions about him like 'Where do you think his family is?' or 'What do you think his house is like?' or 'Do you think he has a brother or sister like you do?'. It wasn't long before she actually started to catch them and play with them.

 

[princessmom29]

You offer a print-rich environment where they will want to learn to write. You put their names all over the room. You have a writing center where they can write whenever they want. You let them write their names on art work & other things that belong to them in the room.

I'm very against worksheets too because they honestly don't teach much of anything at that age.

I really don't see how they can not teach anything. My child has learned lots from worksheets. I work through workbooks with her at home and this is how she learned colors and shapes. She learned to make her letters properly by praticing on a worksheet both at school and home. I am an educator as well and I know that there are at least two different schools of thought on the subject. The one that i am more inclined to agree with holds that for cretian things repetitive practice is needed. For example: learing to write letters correctly for preschool, multiplication facts for older elementary, and writing chemical formulas for my high schoolers to name a few. Creating and environment that is stimulating and engaging is absolutely necessary in preschool, but so is skills practice. I hate to put it this way because i know I am going to get flamed but I think that children in pre K need the structure that guided practice provides. Yes I realize that the approach that you are presenting provides structure in a way as well, but when they get to elementary they are going to be expected to sit in a desk and do work. They need some idea of how to do that. I realize that a lot of people think that school should not be this way, but I see it differently. School is preperation for life, and what boss it going to try to make your job engaging and fun for you? None. I am in no way saying that teachers shouldn't do their best to engage their students in learning, but even in preschool seat work has its place.

 

[mom2princessj]

My 3 yo ds will start preschool in October and what they are doing now is a shape of the week and different theming based on season or other misc things. I actually have been quite impressed with what my daughter who is in the pre-k learned last year in the two day class. They do worksheets, write, color, cut, paste, library, circle time, pledge of allegiance, days of the week, months of the year, counting, numbers/letters/colors/shapes. We do get worksheets as 'homework' but nothing is mandatory and the kids are rewarded for just bringing it back to school. For us, we like the worksheets because we get a chance to sit down with the kids and be a part of what they are doing at school. We take time each night and practice writing, coloring, counting, or something as a family and the kids really enjoy this. My dd who is 5 now writes wonderfully and that is alot of this years focus along with site words later in the year. Right now DD is working on writing along with a particular letter of the week. They are also working on the letter sounds...which last year in the 3-4 year class they didn't do.
After researching alot of different preschools for my ds who I felt may do better in a center based learning environment, I did keep coming back to our preschool and wanted to give it a try with him first. I'm comfortable there and couldn't be happier with what my dd has learned. The crafts/projects they do are so fun and creative and dd REALLY loves going there. I can only hope ds feels the same!

 

[santa's surpriz]

My daughter learned all kinds of neat things at pre-K. There were three teachers that specialized in their specific strengths and interests. One day my daughter told me she loved me all the way to PLuto and back. Huh? She told me it was bc PLuto was the furthest planet! I melted! Seriously, they used the beginner reading programs from Scholastic, Art (one teacher is a graduate from an Art and Design College.), math, science, music, and geography. MY daugher at age five knew all the state capitals and 1 fact about each state. They learned the basics, colors, shapes, matching, alpha, seasons, days of the week, months, circle time activities, writing, etc. My daughter is an expert colorer and spend hours on one book from front to back cover.They also learned SPanish and sign language. It was more than they needed, but kept things interesting and fun for the kids. Now she is a bright star in her kindergarten class. She is still learning to read...but she knows how to spell. I have not figured that one out yet!

 

[rt2dz]

I send my kiddos to a social based pre-school. Academics are secondary to social skills, but they do work on the skills they will need to be successful in school.

DS#2 is in the pre-k program which is by far the most academic program in the school. They focus on the pre-reading skills required for entering K. The big thing is recognition of letters (upper case and lower case) and sounds, which is done by the letter of the week; they play letter games. They have a writing center where they work on learning to write their full names properly. They work on counting to 100; they do some games and have an estimation jar. They work on learning their phone numbers and addresses. They read books and do arts and crafts based on a theme—space, dinosaurs, nature, etc. They very age appropriate.

DS#3 is in the 2s class. They work on learning to say the ABCs, count to 10, some letter and number recognition (but that is more by accident), learning to recognize their name in print, shapes, colors, and motor skills. They also work a lot on cooperation and sharing. By the end of the year, they will be able to use scissors too. They have story time which is a good focus on fairy tales and other classic stories.

I know the 3s class follows units on various child-friendly topics. They work on fine motor skills in coloring and they are generally at least somewhat writing their first name by the end of the year. The things they work on in the 2s class is also gone over again. They start keeping “a journal” that goes home with a different child every week; the kids love it and it is a very special thing.

As far as great Dinosaur books--there are a ton of them out there. Jane Yolen, the "How do Dinosaurs..." series are #1 with most parents. Another good series is Dinofours by Steve Metzger. You might try All Aboard the Dinotrain. A very sweet story is My Dinosaur by Mark Alan Weatherby. For the really timid is Dinosaur Dinosaur by Kevin Lewis.

 

[sdoll]

At least they are telling you something when I ask my DS3.5 what he did in school today he tells me the same thing. "I ate a snack" That's all he has told me. Its sort of cute he gets it from his daddy.

 

[allyphoe]

a limited number of worksheet type activities are necessary. How can you learn to write lettes if you never sit down with a piece of paper and pratice it?

Practicing doesn't require worksheets, though - it requires practice. My kid asked for some ruled paper / dotted letter worksheets to practice with, but lost interest after about 5 minutes total. She writes whatever she's interested in on whatever paper comes to hand, now. IMHO most of the improvement in her handwriting has been maturity-based (she's older and has better fine-motor control), rather than from practice or being formally taught how to form the letters.

Back on topic, in (private) preschool, she learned the scientific method (and carried out her own investigation), Spanish, how to pump herself on the swings, how elections work, the best way to stick two pieces of clay together, that "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit," how to collaborate with other kids to finish a bigger project than one person could do alone, how to negotiate a compromise, a bunch of shapes, how to count to 100 by ones and by tens, pattern recognition (in blocks and in sounds), and a billion other things. Her teacher anticipated she might be one of the kids who left preschool reading, but she wasn't - that clicked with her about 2-3 weeks ago. I have no clue what they were doing as far as teaching reading, but it was a mixed-age 3-5s classroom, and most of the 5s weren't expected to be reading at the end.

In (public) kindergarten, they're currently working on letter sounds and a handful of sight words that I know of, but I haven't really been paying attention.

 

[RMulieri]

Let's see...We are learning letters and how to write them and Id them, Numbers and how to write them.Their name,address,phone number,birthday.How to tie shoes, Planets,dinosaurs,Shapes,colors,Time(hours,days,months weeks,seasons) She is also learning a little Spanish( her pre-K teacher speaks Spanish fluently).Every week is a different theme.They also do Science experiments, learn basic US History, Geography( small amts here and there) I love my daughters pre-K program.She has made such progress already.

 

[Aristomommy]

My son asked me to write his name on a piece of paper today. Then he wrote his name right underneath. It was so funny to hear him describe the letters: "fish hook" for J etc. I have not worked on this with him, so I will have to thank his teacher tomorrow. I am impressed readind how much our little boys and girls learn in preschool.

 

[JessRabbit]

My oldest was afraid of bugs and anything dirty or sticky (playdough and the sandbox took a long time before she could enjoy them). What finally worked to get over her fear of bugs was giving them names. For some reason, if she saw an ant outside and started to get squimish I would ask her to give the ant a name and ask her questions about him like 'Where do you think his family is?' or 'What do you think his house is like?' or 'Do you think he has a brother or sister like you do?'. It wasn't long before she actually started to catch them and play with them.

Thanks so much for this idea. With ants, I usually ask her to see if Flik or Atta is with them. This may help with the "flying" ones or bigger ones that she is afraid of.

As an update, her teacher sent home 4 dinosaur books for her to share with us. I am happy that her teacher is trying to help with any fears also. It really impressed me today

 

[princessmom29]

Thanks so much for this idea. With ants, I usually ask her to see if Flik or Atta is with them. This may help with the "flying" ones or bigger ones that she is afraid of.

As an update, her teacher sent home 4 dinosaur books for her to share with us. I am happy that her teacher is trying to help with any fears also. It really impressed me today

That's great. This is the track I always took with my DD. Nothing to be scared of, nothing to worry about. I never made a big deal about bugs being icky ect. From the time she was an infant I exposed her to bugs, frogs, ect and gave her info on them. The first thing her preschool teacher told us at parent night is "you are a science teacher aren't you?" when i asked how she knew she said that DD isn't scared of anything she brings in as far as bugs, frogs, lizards ect. She actually loves that kind of thing and I say it is largely due to the fact that she was exposed in a nonthreatening way early on.

 

[ammeador2]

Interesting! My DD goes to a private school for junior pre k. She's super smart and I didn't want some super expensive babysitting with just free play. At her school she will be learning Spanish, Music, some math, reading and writing. They say that by the time this program is done (jr pre k and pre k) the kiddos are reading chapter books! This is so amazing! DD Is only 3

We made our decision by calling the different schools, and finding out what type of program they had in place. Some schools had a 2.5 hour nap time! No WAY!!

My DD has phases where she's scared of bugs or animals. It comes and goes. For awhile i couldn't get her to go into our back yard because we have crickets! Now she's better.

 

[princessmom29]

Interesting! My DD goes to a private school for junior pre k. She's super smart and I didn't want some super expensive babysitting with just free play. At her school she will be learning Spanish, Music, some math, reading and writing. They say that by the time this program is done (jr pre k and pre k) the kiddos are reading chapter books! This is so amazing! DD Is only 3

We made our decision by calling the different schools, and finding out what type of program they had in place. Some schools had a 2.5 hour nap time! No WAY!!

My DD has phases where she's scared of bugs or animals. It comes and goes. For awhile i couldn't get her to go into our back yard because we have crickets! Now she's better.

We do a similar program and get a 2.5 hour nap. DD really needs it as we have to get up at 5:30 and drop off at 6:15. I teach and my high school starts at 7:15. We have to be there by 6:45. So for us the nap is vital or she is soooo cranky when i pick her up. They nap after lunch at 12:45 so their school day is essentially done by then.

 

[java]

They say that by the time this program is done (jr pre k and pre k) the kiddos are reading chapter books! This is so amazing! DD Is only 3

I wouldn't want to put that much pressure on a 3 year old. But if it's working for you great. To me Preschool is about learning to LOVE school. If it's all fun and games that's ok by me. I wouldn't want my kids to burn out. I have kids aged 14,11,5 and 3.

What did my 3 year old do at school yesterday? His big event was telling a little girl that he loved her.
And he made a very nice apple painting.
And came out laughing.
To me that's a great day. And I don't think he'll grow up to be the village idiot.

 

[princessmom29]

I wouldn't want to put that much pressure on a 3 year old. But if it's working for you great. To me Preschool is about learning to LOVE school. If it's all fun and games that's ok by me. I wouldn't want my kids to burn out. I have kids aged 14,11,5 and 3.

What did my 3 year old do at school yesterday? His big event was telling a little girl that he loved her.
And he made a very nice apple painting.
And came out laughing.
To me that's a great day. And I don't think he'll grow up to be the village idiot.

Mine does this kind of stuff at school to along with learning to read. She plays on the playground and comes home telling me all about her day. She loves school and gets upset when she has to miss. They are learning the 5 senses and sahe was so excited to explian to me last night that smells are made up of molecules that go to receptors in your nose and that is how you smell. You can have both the love of learning and the fun stuff and be learning things like reading math and science at a high level.