Clownfish
Preschool
Older 3’s
1:12 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Maximum Class Size of 24
About the Clownfish
Our youngest preschoolers.
Curriculum & Daily Activities
The Clownfish have fun in an academically challenging classroom environment.
They discuss the calendar, introducing the days of the week. Their teachers read them stories which they discuss afterwards to build a strong reading comprehension. They sing learning songs and use movement for kinesthetic learners. They count and learn math through true one-to-one correspondence. They review the alphabet and get deeper into phonics.
Their art includes both crafts and free art based on their thematic unit. Art time gives them a creative outlet and helps to perfect their fine motor skills. They also have music and movement activities everyday.
Some of the concepts that they work on include, but are not limited to: the alphabet, shapes, colors, numbers, letter writing, simple words, reading text, predictions, poetry, reading comprehension, math, manners, and science.
Their curriculum revolves around a thematic unit that changes with the seasons and holidays
Environment
Now that the children are potty trained and are more confident with basic social skills, they are ready for more academic challenges. The Clownfish classroom is large with many areas for the children to explore and learn. Their Dramatic Play area will change periodically to reflect their curriculum and interests transforming into a Pizza Parlor, Flower Shop, or Barn among other things.
Developmental Milestones
By 4 years, children will:
Pretend to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog, etc)
Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
Likes to be a “helper”
Changes behavior based on where they are (place of worship, library, playground, etc.)
Says sentences with four or more words
Says some words fro ma song, story, or nursery rhyme
Talks about at least one thing that happened during their day like “I played soccer.”
Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”
Names a few colors of items
Tells what comes next in a well-known story
Draws a person with three or more body parts
Catches a large ball most of the time
Serves their own food or pours water with adult supervision
Unbuttons some buttons
Holds crayons or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
Why Scripps Exploring Academy?
At Scripps Exploring Academy, we believe in hands-on learning. Our preschool program balances traditional academics such as shape, color, number, and letter identification with hands-on learning experiences such as working with tongs to sort pom-poms or pour water in a sensory table. We are also invested in our students’ social and emotional wellbeing and development and firmly believe that it is a valuable part of their curriculum.
