Preschool
Program Overview
One highlight of the St. Paul's Preschool program is that it is academically focused, and we maximize this key time in our students' education while also prioritizing crucial social emotional development. Preschool teachers foster a warm and welcoming environment while introducing core content and STEAM curriculum. Learn more about the Preschool learning objectives, special classes, and a typical daily schedule below.
Research shows that attending preschool has a significant positive impact on a student's long-term success in life. Read more about the benefits of a preschool education here.
Preschool Learning Highlights
Preschool Habitats
Preschool students explore different animals' characteristics and their homes. In addition to lots of craft projects, this unit features sensory learning with real bear pelts, skulls, and footprints. Students also practice measure and sort animals into different categories. Our friends at Lakeside Nature center even brought a few owls and a falcon for kiddos to see up close!
Preschool Thanksgiving
Preschool students all choose and bring in a special food item to share with their friends and classmates at the Preschool Thanksgiving feast! Activities like this are excellent for fostering students' confidence and independence. Plus, this event is a wonderful kick-off for plenty of fun holiday-themed activities in the following weeks.
Preschool Sunshine Circles
All year long, students enjoy fun social emotion learning activities, led by Early Childhood Counselor, Ms. Spendlove. Leading up to Thanksgiving, Preschool students, wave to friends in a parade, shuffle like a turkey with a balloon between their knees, and each student shares what they are thankful for. These Sunshine Circle classes are a big part of early childhood at St. Paul's. We use this time to incorporate playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance each child's emotional well-being.
Mr. McGregor's Garden
Using Mr. McGregor's garden from the Peter Rabbit tale as the inspiration, the preschool class studies living things and how they grow. During the unit, preschoolers observe and try many different types of vegetables that grow in a garden and tour the St. Paul’s cafeteria kitchen. They also learn about different life cycles of animals while tracking the metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies. What a great way to celebrate springtime!
Measuring with "The Mitten"
Using “The Mitten” by Jan Brett as the inspiration, students practice measuring skills to compare the sizes of animals featured in the book. The polar bear and brown bear are the biggest, but we (humans) are bigger than all the other animals. It’s also fun for students to learn about each animal’s habitat and discover what they like to eat.
Outdoor Play
Preschool students get to enjoy plenty of sunshine during daily outdoor play. This dedicated time outside gives students a chance to exercise and practice their social skills. Whether students are playing in the sandbox, zooming down the slide, or riding trikes, they are encouraged to be curious, get messy, and explore.
Healthy Me
This special preschool unit explores the human body systems, germs, and the importance of healthcare professionals. During germ week, students grow germs in a petri dish and make observations with magnifying glasses. They also conduct an experiment to see how soap and water repel germs, go on a classroom germ hunt, and create 3-D germ models.
Community Pledge
Everyday at Chapel, students say the St. Paul's Community Pledge.
As a member of the St. Paul's community, I pledge to be honest, to respect others, to take responsibility for my actions and words, to be kind and inclusive, and to help others do the same.
These words reinforce the St. Paul's mission and values and help students focus on the day ahead.
Preparing for Preschool Class
- Practical Life Skills: practice dressing themselves, caring for personal items, making and following a schedule
- Potty Training 101: Having trouble getting your student potty-trained for preschool? You're not alone! Click here for some helpful resources.
- Summer in the City: Sign up for the Pop into Preschool summer camp to get ready for the classroom!
Explore What Comes Next
Our social and emotional programming is intentional and promotes enduring foundational skills that will serve our students in relationships, in school, and in work. The early childhood academic curriculum is engaging and designed to promote a curiosity for learning and for school.Mindy Stephenson, St. Paul's Early Childhood Division Head