Preschool Prep Curriculum

(2 – 3 year olds)

Naturally inquisitive and active, young preschoolers thrive in an environment that supports them as individuals and challenges them with opportunities for involvement.

On Kensington Lane Cognitive Development Program, Year 2
Visits with Grandma Pockets and activities with her furry friends, the Stone Cottage Puppets, continue to delight the children as they gain a deeper understanding of their world. Who will be visiting today? Sir Isaac the Owl with an “owl’s eye” view of the world? Perhaps it will be Bows the Cat introducing us to new art experiences. Will it be Circles the Snail familiarizing us with the many shapes around us? “The Me Basket” presented at interactive circle times and “First Author,” individually child-designed Shape Books, are highlights in our Preschool Prep classrooms.

Beginning Project Based Learning
In each month-long exploration of a topic, curiosity is encouraged and inspired as children eagerly problem solve, think creatively, and discover. Math and science interest centers, as well as creative art and sensory experiences, provide the tools for endless discovery possibilities. Working in small groups or individually engaged, the children have ideal opportunities for skill development in each Project Based Learning topic.

Language Development Program
When it’s time to spend time with our Pickles the Puppy, it’s time for fun. Children gather eagerly around his doghouse, ready to talk, listen and take part in a variety of activities. Designed especially for young preschoolers, our language development program provides opportunities to utilize labeling language, construct sentences and expand vocabulary. With Pickles as their guide, the children spend each day exploring the town. Children’s language increases, their ability to express thoughts and feelings improves, and their problem-solving skills are enhanced. What color is the fire engine? How many apples do we have in our cart? What animals can we see at the pet store? Can we move a heavy load like a dump truck? Time with Pickles gives children the opportunity to practice using known language while being introduced to hundreds of new words.

Natural Wood Investigations
Curious children are always exploring, and their fine motor muscles are getting stronger. “Natural Wood Investigations” at Kensington was created for those small, ever-grasping hands. Using soft, natural wood elements, you’ll find your child learning the early concepts of balancing, building, and sorting. Blocks, gears, and pegs of different sizes, shapes, and weights have us start to ask questions and problem solve.

Self Help Skills with Wilbur the Frog
Meet our friend Wilbur the Frog! Wilbur is our independent, brave little frog who is learning self-help skills alongside our Early Preschoolers as they learn to button, zip and snap. Wilbur also helps them learn how to put on their coats and wash their hands. With this sweet little puppet at our side, we can leap to success when it comes to confidence and building our self-help skills!

Music Classes and a Spring Musical Sing-a-Long Program
Children gather around the piano with their music teacher to share songs and rhythmic activities, introducing them to a variety of instruments and movement games that enhance listening skills. The children take a big step as they joyfully share their musical fun and newfound skills in the springtime singalong with parents.

Yoga Pretzels

Building balance, strengthening muscles, developing focus – the benefits of yoga stretches abound. Our yoga instructor patiently and carefully guides the children in active poses and games in our sun-filled gyms with their yoga mats and balls. Yoga Pretzels time is always a favorite!