The main difference between Pre-k and Preschool is the academic focus.
Pre-K is meant to take place the year before kindergarten to prepare children for the social and academic challenges ahead. Children in Pre-K participate in more structured activities and delve deeper into certain subjects. Pre-K has a stronger focus on advanced learning to ready kids for kindergarten, elementary school, and beyond.
Here, you can take a look at what a typical schedule is for our Pre-K students, whether they are enrolled in our Pre-K Half-Day or Pre-K Full-Day programs.
Pre-K Half Day Program
Our OLG students’ daily adventure begins…
Welcome & Free Play: During the drop off period, children are encouraged to make independent choices in a time of purposeful play. Our day in Pre-K has also a balanced teacher-directed and child-directed times. It’s important for young children to be able to make choices and to learn how to follow through.
Circle Time: Circle time sets the tone for the day’s schedule. After morning activities are closed, the class transitions to the class rug where they practice active listening. The students are engaged with songs, calendar, counting, introduction and practice of Spanish words, letter recognition activities and more.
Class Time: Pre-K students will start their structured learning of the day with subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Handwriting, Literacy, Science or Art. Subjects are scheduled based on the day of the week. Once the lesson has been introduced the class is given instructions for a supporting activity.
Specialist Class: And learning time continues! This time, Pre-K students will switch their focus to subjects such as Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Music or Spanish. Subjects are also scheduled based on the day of the week.
Bathroom / Hand-washing: Those toileting and hand washing routines that our students started and learned in Pre-School are also continued in Pre-K.
Snack Time: Just like in Pre-School, snack time is used as another learning opportunity. Teachers sit and eat with the students to discuss healthy snacks, practice table manners or explore their thoughts and interests regarding the week’s lessons. Snack is a valuable time to practice social skills with their peers. Snack time is when a lot of children discover what they have in common with their classmates and start to build the foundation for their friendships. The children also practice being a good neighbor by cleaning up after themselves. If your child has any dietary restrictions, we are always happy to accommodate! Just let us know.
Recess: Play time! This is a time for physical activity and play. During recess, students are encouraged to be physically active and engaged with their peers in activities of their choice and enjoying the sun as much as possible! 🙂
Learning Centers: Learning Centers are activities located in specific areas around the classroom. Children work in small groups during center time, and they can also work independently. At OLG, we have free choice Center time. We don’t limit kids or make complex charts to make sure every child goes to every Center. All Centers are open every day making our Learning Center time completely child-directed. Our Learning Centers include: Reading Center, Writing Center, Dramatic Play Center, Building Center, Art and Crafts Center, Sensory Center and many more. The teachers guide the students helping them to verbalize their feelings and communicate effectively with their peers. Centers are also a time to explore subjects more in depth. Each Pre-K class has a writing, math, science, library, and art center equipped with the necessary tools to explore each subject.
PE (Physical Education): Fitness is included every day on our playground or in our large, indoor gym where motor skills development, coordination and balance are all emphasized. The classroom extends into gym time through organized games or cooperative playtime fun for a cohesive learning experience.
Teacher Directed: And learning time continues! This time, Pre-K students will switch their focus to subjects such as Math, Handwriting, Music, Art, Library, Science or Literacy. Subjects are also scheduled based on the day of the week.
Bathroom / Hand-washing: After a morning full of fun and learning it is time to go to the bathroom and wash their hands before lunch or before packing up and get ready to go home.
Half Day Program Dismissal: For our students enrolled in our half-day Pre-K program, it is time to go home!
Pre-K Full Day Program
The fun continues…
Recess: After lunch, our children are full of energy and ready for play time!
Rest Time/Nap Time: For our Pre-K students attending our full-day program, this is time for a regularly scheduled nap or rest which can enhance memory and support learning in children this age. During this time, kids are encouraged to lie down for a minimum of 30 minutes (per licensing requirements). Quiet activities are also provided for our students who do not nap or who may only nap for 30 minutes.
Wake Up: Time to slowly wake up or re-energize and get ready for more fun and learning!
Bathroom / Hand-washing: After recess and nap time, time to wash their hands again to be ready for an afternoon snack.
Snack Time: Time for an afternoon light snack!
Story Time: Just like in Pre-School, story time teaches children important pre-literacy skills when we read, sing, talk, and play together. Story time encourages cognitive development and social-emotional growth, too.
Pack Up: After a day full of fun and learning, it is time for our students to get ready to go home!
Full Day Program Dismissal: And now, for our students enrolled in our full-day Pre-K program, it is time to go home!
