School News
- Last Updated on Thursday, 01 May 2014 18:18
Spring is here, and many local elementary schools are having kindergarten registration.
If your child seems to be struggling with some of the "readiness skills" expected by the elementary schools or if he or she seems to have difficulty functioning in a large group setting ... know that you do have options. Whether it's due to a late birthday or limited experience in a preschool setting, some children are not quite ready for the kindergarten experience when the clock or the calendar dictates.
John McMillan Preschool has a morning Transition Class (or "T-Class") for those children that would benefit from an additional year of preschool before entering kindergarten. Our program runs Monday -Thursday from 9 until 11:30 a.m., with the option of adding addition time in the Lunch & Learning program. With a much smaller student-to-teacher ratio than in the elementary school, our teachers are able to offer a curriculum which is both challenging and fun!
Children learn through a variety of formal and informal activities. There is increased emphasis on pre-reading, math, writing and language skills in a nurturing environment that enhances self-confidence and a love of learning.
Curriculum includes the recognition of upper- and lower-case letters, recognition of numbers 1 - 20, and identification of letter sounds. "Dolch Words" (or instant sight words) are introduced each week during the morning meeting. Professional visitors, monthly chapel time, and many field trips provide new experiences and increase children's knowledge of the world around them.
Children are invited into our T-Class program when they've had at least one full year of preschool and have reached the age of 4 1/2 before September 1st. Children that do not meet these prerequisites are welcome to join us in the Fours class, which is equally successful at preparing children for kindergarten!
If you'd like to learn more about our Transition Class or any of the programs available at John McMillan Preschool, please call Pat Folino at 412-833-4704 or email us at JMPCPreschool@yahoo.com.
