Ages 4 & 5

Our class for 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds is open to children who reach age 4 by the start of the school year (by Sept. 1). Choose from four enrollment options:

  • MWF a.m. + lunch – 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • MWF all day 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (must be 4 by March 1)
  • TTh a.m. – 9-11:30 a.m.
  • TTh all day – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (must be age 4 by May 1)

No matter which option you choose, your child will enjoy a class rich with activity.

Areas of Learning

Our curriculum prepares children for Kindergarten in areas of learning that are based on Minnesota Educational Standards and national accreditation standards.

Language development & early literacy – Children have access to books and are read to every day. Teachers help children recognize print and connect it to spoken words and thoughts. Opportunities are provided for pre-writing skills and verbal communication.

Early mathematics – Children are provided opportunities and materials to build understanding of numbers by participating in math games, measuring and creating graphs, and by being introduced to math concepts.

Science – We address such key concepts and principles as living and non-living objects, seasons, weather, simple tools, questioning, discovery, experiments, the properties of matter like hard/soft or float/sink, and how matter changes.

Social studies – Children are given opportunities to experience positive self-identities, a sense of community, the satisfaction of service, conflict-resolution methods, non-stereotypical family and social roles, and a foundation for learning geography and history in the context of their lives.

Arts – Children are provided many and varied open-ended opportunities to express themselves creatively through music, drama, movement and visual arts.

Physical development, health & safety – Children have varied opportunities and are provided equipment to engage in large-motor and fine-motor experiences, good health practices, safety awareness, and learning about food sources, preparation and selection.

Faith development – Children gain knowledge and understanding of God as teachers model that love to them, as they have access to Bible stories, music and symbols, through worship, prayer and discussions about faith, and as they care for God’s people and His world.

Daily Schedule

The routine for this age group entails:

Greeting & opening – Greet your teachers, then gather for the “Hello” song; daily schedule; Bible stories, prayers and songs; birthday celebrations; and unit and theme introduction.

Active play time – Have fun with large-motor activities in the playroom, gym or outdoor playground.

Small group time – Participate in “Show and Tell”; explore language, science and math concepts; and experience other readiness activities.

Music – Enjoy songs, finger plays, and rhythm and movement activities.

Snack & prayer – Share in a snack and give thanks to God with a special prayer.

Choice time – Explore the home-living items, dress-up area, dramatic play centers, science table, sensory equipment, art activities, book corner, school library, music center, blocks, educational games and shelves of fun and enticing learning materials.

Story time – Enjoy a fiction and non-fiction books together based on our themes and units.

Daily summary – Hear a summary of the day’s activities and learnings from your child’s teacher before the 11:30 a.m. children are dismissed.

Lunch time (for extended classes) – Enjoy lunch together to develop and practice good manners. Bring a bag lunch from home; milk is provided.