Curriculum Summary

The Holy Trinity Preschool program takes a holistic approach to learning. Language development skills, gross and fine motor skills, and age-appropriate academic skills (e.g. color, shape, name and letter recognition) are introduced and taught through various themes throughout the year. Art and science activities, music, stories, games, songs and finger plays relating to the themes are the vehicles through which the skills are taught. Teaching is individualized, as all children progress at different rates; the children have opportunities each day to work independently, in small and large groups, and to experience self direction as well as to participate in structured lessons.

The main objective of Holy Trinity Preschool is to help children develop a positive attitude toward school. We strive to provide a well-balanced program rich in experiences including art, music class, science, literature and language development (including Spanish class with Mrs. D'Amelio!). 

Combining opportunities for free play with structured group activities, certified teachers and teachers' assistants guide the children through a developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Christian ideals are not viewed as a subject apart from daily living but as the way we live and work together. 

We use three classrooms, the fellowship hall and the play yard for our in-school activities. We also use the community as an important learning tool, taking advantage of the local library, fire station, working farms and other "field trip" destinations throughout the course of each program.  The children will have many opportunities to explore play in large groups, small groups or independently. Our teachers and assistants play an important role in establishing an atmosphere that provides for freedom within the limits of guidance and safety.

We explore literature by:

• Listening to stories
  
• Learning about authors and illustrators
• Reading books quietly
• Introducing emergent literacy skills

We expand math concepts by:

• Counting
  
• Exploring concepts of before/after
• Extending and building patterns
• Creating simple graphs
• Manipulating objects to solve simple addition/subtraction problems
• Discovering "what comes next?"
• Recognizing shapes and comparing sizes

We expand musical experiences by:

• Learning and singing songs
  
• Listening to a variety of music
• Experiencing rhythms
• Exploring rhythmic poetry
• Making and playing simple instruments

We immerse ourselves in art by:

• Encouraging the creative process
  
• Manipulating clay
• Exploring paint techniques
• Learning to cut paper effectively
• Learning to glue cleanly/securely
• Exploring various art materials
• Creating murals

We strengthen our small motor skills by:

• Manipulating small toys and game parts
  
• Working with clay/flexible materials
• Using markers, crayons, chalk etc.
• Practicing beginning writing skills
• Learning to print our names in manuscript as four-year-olds

We nurture a positive Christian atmosphere by:

• Saying grace before snack daily
  
• Discussing positive behavior and relating it to our lives
• Participating in bi-monthly Bible stories with our Pastor
• Treating others the way we would like to be treated