The Pillars Pre-K “Kinder-Readiness” Program
The Pillars’ “Kinder-Ready” program is carefully crafted to equip our Pre-K students for the pivotal transition to Kindergarten, a crucial milestone in their educational journey.
To engage and excite our young learners, each Pre-K student receives a ‘Kinder-Ready’ kit at the start of the school year. This kit includes items designed to simulate a ‘Kinder-like’ experience, such as managing their own backpack and belongings and taking care of their school supplies. Additionally, students receive a ‘Kinder-Ready’ t-shirt, fostering a sense of school spirit similar to what they will experience in elementary school.
Our Pre-K curriculum is thoughtfully structured to ensure that students not only meet the academic standards required for Kindergarten but also develop the necessary skills for the increased responsibility and accountability expected in elementary school. This year is critical to their future success — we continue to reinforce their imagination while preparing them for subsequent grades. Our Pre-K classroom supports:
- Language development and early reading skills
- Counting and learning math concepts
- Problem-solving
- Self-awareness skills like understanding what a safe environment is
- Leading and following, and routines
- Development of gross and fine motor skills
- Expanded physical play
- Increased development of self-expression, confidence, and independence
- Taking initiative during routines and activities
Pre-K Developmental Benchmarks
Our Pre-K 4 class focuses on specific developmental and spiritual benchmarks.
Language Development & Early Literacy Skills
- Recognizing capital and lowercase letters
- Recognizing own written first and last name
- Spelling own name aloud
- Generating rhymes in response to spoken words
- Using complete simple sentences
- Using 4,000 words
- Asking and responding to questions about text read aloud
- Clapping syllables in words
- Reading 2-3 letter words
Mathematics
- Recognizing numbers 1-30
- Counting to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s
- Counting to 30 and knowing what comes before and after
- Writing numbers up to 20
- Recognizing shapes
- Grouping objects in sets up to 10
- Creating, duplicating, or extending complex patterns
- Understanding more and less
Health & Wellness
- Attending to restroom needs independently
- Zipping, snapping, and buttoning clothing
- Washing hands properly
- Knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods
- Carrying a plate to the table
- Understanding what a safe environment is (i.e., no bullying, abuse, or inappropriate behavior)
Cognitive Development
- Comparing and measuring
- Developing problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Using classification skills
- Using symbols and images to represent something not present
- Exploring and describing spatial relationships and shapes
- Remembering and connecting experiences
- Demonstrating positive approaches to learning
Physical Development
- Skipping
- Hopping on one foot
- Walking in a straight line
- Climbing up and down and climbing equipment with ease
- Throwing and catching a ball
- Recognizing left and right hand
- Working 25-40 piece puzzles
- Manipulating small objects
- Stringing small beads
- Holding a pencil correctly
- Holding and using scissors correctly
Social/Emotional
- Working independently and in a group
- Listening to the teacher
- Sharing materials
- Following instructions (up to three commands)
- Understanding taking turns and doing so without being reminded
- Completing tasks in a timely manner
- Exhibiting self-control
- Seeking other children to play with
- Seeking help when needed
- Showing pride in accomplishments
Spiritual Teaching Objectives
- The Bible is one big story that tells us about God.
- God made the earth and everything on it, including you!
- God loves you.
- Praying is how we talk to God.
- Singing is how we celebrate God.
- Jesus died on the cross to forgive us for our sins.
- We get to Heaven by believing in Jesus – who He was and what He did for us.
Sample Preschool and Pre-K Classroom Schedule
| 7:00 | Breakfast and Open Centers |
| 8:00 | Circle Time and Community Challenge |
| 8:30 | Learning Stations/Small Group: Language/Literacy |
| 9:00 | Call to Prayer and Spiritual Development |
| 9:30 | Outside Exploration – Physical Development |
| 10:00 | Learning Stations/Small Group: Language/Literacy |
| 11:00 | Lunch |
| 11:30 | Naptime Prep |
| 12:00 | Nap/Rest Period |
| 2:00 | Rise & Shine and Snack |
| 2:30 | Learning Stations and Small Groups–Math/Reasoning |
| 4:00 | Outside Exploration – Physical Development |
| 4:30 | Circle Time Review and Story Time |
| 5:00 | Music & Movement |
| 5:30 | Teacher Choice Centers and Departure |
