Learning In the Beginning - The Formative Years

I. Basic goals and objectives of the preschool curriculum

A. What should the preschool child be learning?
 

• How to learn
• Basic discipline and how to love oneself and others
• That he is competent and can succeed
• A zest for learning

B. What basic academic skills and concepts should the preschool child be developing?

• Language skills through conversation, stories, word games, tapes, written words
• Understanding the importance of the alphabet
• Names of letters
• Shapes of letters
• Sounds of letters
• Mathematical understanding through the use of materials such as sand and water, which convey rudimentary concepts of quantity and volume
• Fine motor coordination through the use of blocks, tools, paints, clay, and puzzles
• Understanding how things work

C. What physical skills should a preschool child be developing?

• Whole body movements
• Hand and arm movements
• Finger movements
• Leg and foot movements
• Directions and ways in which to move

II. What basic methods and materials should be included in the preschool curriculum?

A. Methods should include:

• Visual training
• Auditory training
• Kinesthetic and tactile training
• Language development
• Discovery learning situations
• Total physical involvement

B. Materials include experiences with:

• Many types of media
• All types of paper
• Writing instruments
• Color applicators
• Mechanical devices, tools, athletic equipment, etc.