Children at this age will grow in language as well as fine and gross motor skills, through daily experiences in the classroom. Art and sensory activities are added at this age. Weekly themes include Bible stories and songs, with projects, play and music, which all help our little ones develop through hands on experience and language development. The Preschool 1 classroom is all about growing independence! Our staff works diligently with parents to assist with toilet training. Also, we begin letters and numbers with early reading and math skills. Through the use of monthly and weekly themes, simple science and social studies concepts are introduced. Colors, shapes, language and social skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills are emphasized.

By meeting the needs of individual children and setting age appropriate goals, children learn at their own pace and are motivated and challenged to learn. Children will practice social skills: cooperation, listening, sharing, taking turns, and following directions. They will be introduced to fine and large motor skills and creative expression through dramatic play, music and art, colors, shapes, body parts and more. The letters will be taught through a letter of the week curriculum that includes letters, sounds, rhyming and blending. At Strong Beginnings we follow God’s Little Explorer Curriculum and help this age group prepare for kindergarten. Name recognition, writing, and small and large group activities, as well as experiences in a wide variety of social studies and science activities through thematic units will keep children excited about school. They will learn about God's love, and about Jesus, their Savior, who loves them. These classes challenge children to learn school skills: enthusiasm for learning, persistence, motivation, as well as creative and critical thinking.