SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Early Literacy & Handwriting
Children prepare to read long before they enter school- early literacy is everything children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. A child’s early experiences with books and language lay the foundation for success in learning to read and the most important thing that can be done to foster early literacy is provide an atmosphere that’s fun, verbal and stimulating. Classroom labeling, writing activities, Story Time, Word Wall and Question of The Day are just a few of the ways PSP introduces children to the joy of reading.
Math
The math lessons at PSP are designed to teach important mathematical concepts such as geometry, numbers, measurement, and probability. Students will learn about length, height, and weight as well as shapes and solids. They will learn how to add, subtract, tell time and count money. Math is everywhere in life, so it’s everywhere at PSP, because we believe that and giving your child every advantage now will add up to success later in life.
Science
Science is an exciting, hands-on subject here at PSP! We raise chickens, hatch butterflies and make all kinds of sticky creations like home-made play-dough and gak. In Spring we sprout seeds, in Summer we raise a garden, in Autumn we collect leaves and in the Winter we investigate snow and icicles. Science is everywhere in our school, from composting our food waste to exploring vermaculture, we try to do it all!
Spanish
Our Spanish class provides students with an introduction to the Spanish language. Songs, games and children’s books written in Spanish, give students ample opportunity to hear, practice, and see the Spanish language. Our Spanish curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers, colors, shapes, animals, family members, body parts and classroom objects.
Art
This is more than just finger-painting! Arts and Crafts time at PSP is an introduction to art from around the world. We use not only the traditional supplies like markers and crayons- but pastels, water colors and modeling clay too- we even try making our own vegetable dye!
Music & Movement
Music is a wonderful way to teach young children because it is already a natural part of their day. They might hear music in the car, at their place of worship, while watching a movie, even at bedtime. Music helps children break information down into easily remembered pieces and rhyming songs help children retain information at a much higher rate- just think about the ABC’s – can you remember them without thinking of that tune? Music also introduces rhythms and patterns and it shows them how to control speed, volume and pitch. Music supports self-expression, cooperative play, creativity, emotional well-being and development of social, cognitive, communications and motor skills. Plus it’s just plain fun – and at PSP, we love anything fun! So everyday we set aside a time just for Music & Movement and every Friday we gather together to have a sing-along while Ms. Dawn plays the guitar!
Cooking & Taste Testing
Many times the children get to participate in cooking activities related to our weekly theme. A few examples are: making homemade dog treats during Pet Week, homemade butter and cornbread during Farm Week and decorating sugar cookies for the holidays. When learning about different countries the children have the opportunity to taste cuisine from all over the world, get to practice using chopsticks, making their own burrito or taste exotic fruits
Outdoor Play
Everyone loves the sunshine- so if the sun is out, then so are we! Three times per day (during good weather) the children go outside to the playground or the children’s garden. They can play in the leaves, smell the flowers, watch birds, play tag, blow bubbles, have races and turn cartwheels. During inclement weather the children can stay inside and play games – in there we have room to bounce balls, play with our parachute, twirl our hula hoops and play games like Charades, Duck Duck Goose, “Mother May I?” and Simon Says. We even have a tricycle that the children can ride in the classroom!