In PK 4, children learn through exploration and experiences with their surroundings. During this time, students learn how to socialize with other children and become more independent. Furthermore, through games and stories, children acquire skills that would be very beneficial in kindergarten. Kids learn about letters, and their sounds as well as expanding their vocabulary through different hands on activities and conversations. Through our work in math, science, writing and art centers, students interact with each other while being guided by a teacher. PK 4 is an environment that foster learning through play and creates life-long learners.
MSPCS Preschool teachers instruct students using the HighScope Curriculum. In the HighScope Preschool Curriculum, learning is focused on the following eight content areas, which are based on the dimensions of school readiness identified by the National Education Goals Panel.
- Approaches to learning
- Social and emotional development
- Physical development and health
- Language, literacy, and communication
- Mathematics
- Creative arts
- Science and technology
- Social studies
While learning in these content areas prepares children for later schooling, HighScope takes the learning process beyond traditional academic subjects by applying methods that promote independence, curiosity, decision making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem solving in young children.
