• philosophy
• value of play
• curriculum
  • green frogs
  • yellow ducks
  • dragons
• enrichment programs
  • animals
  • cooking
  • aquarium
  • dance
  • gardening
  • gymnastics
  • languages
  • music
  • performing arts
  • storytelling
  • yoga
• typical schedule
• program faqs
• kindergarten transition

Dragon Classes (Pre-Kindergaten) On My Way

The Dragon (Pre-K) classes are designed for each child to acquire the skills and concepts necessary for later success in school. The Pre-K age is one of wonder and exploration, in which children want to learn more about the things they find most fascinating. Through scaffolding, close observation, and curricular support, we provide opportunities for the children to explore things that are interesting and meaningful to them. When children learn through constructive play, they develop a deeper love and appreciation for learning that will last a lifetime.

Many of the learning competencies emerge in the Pre-K years and continue to develop in Kindergarten. Our teachers work on the children’s individual developmental skill, using an emergent approach through constructive and meaningful activities. The children also keep a journal in which they capture their experience throughout their Pre-K years.

The learning foundations for the Pre-K classes include:

• Approaches to learning — curiosity, enthusiasm, persistence, self-reliance, choice making and problem solving.
• Social-emotional development – self awareness and self regulation, expression and recognition of feelings, empathy, interactions with adults and peers, following directions, group participation, cooperation and responsibility. 
• Cognitive and general knowledge – creative thinking, imagination, knowledge of particular subjects and the way the world works including community awareness.
• Physical development, health and well-being — knowledge of health, creative movement, gross and fine motor skills, and self-help skills.
• Language and literacy – language use, vocabulary, concepts about print, phonological awareness, word-sound correspondence, story sense, literacy interest and response, and writing strategies.
• Mathematics – number sense, algebra and functions (sorting, classification and patterning), measurement, geometry (shapes, space), and mathematical reasoning.
• Creative arts — visual art, performing art, music, etc.
• Science — classification of objects, time, similarities and differences, exploration, and study of nature.