Lower School: PK

» Sample PK 3/4 Schedule | Sample PK 4/5 Schedule

The state licensed PK programs at Highland provide a warm and supportive learning environment where each child is nurtured and encouraged to develop at his or her own rate of growth. The developmental curriculum promotes creativity, decision making and choice. Each child is encouraged to express his or her individuality, while learning to function as an effective member of the peer group.

There are two self-contained PK sections, one section for PK 3/4 and the other for PK 4/5. Each class is taught by a certified and experienced teacher and assistant.

Students in both PK groups work on the socialization skills of sharing, listening, following directions, taking turns and thinking of others. For Language development, students in the PK 3/4 program focus on stories, songs, finger play and dramatizations. They are introduced to phonemic awareness and phonics activities. PK 4/5 students are exposed to a Language Arts program that includes phonemic awareness and phonics activities, language experience, journals, big books and quality children's literature. Fine motor development is enhanced by sorting, cutting, coloring and painting activities at both levels. The Handwriting without Tears program is introduced to all PK students.

The PK 3/4 Math program focuses on hands-on math centers for concept understanding. Math for PK 4/5 students includes free exploration of math manipulatives, counting, sorting, classification, graphing, problem solving, one-to-one correspondence, sequencing and patterning. Students in the PK 3/4 class are introduced to Touch Math; PK 4/5 students extend their studies in Touch Math the following year.
Science for both PK classes is a hands-on approach to learning and discovery. Different topics are studied in each class. Social Studies focuses on basic historical facts, current events and developing an awareness of individuality.

In addition to the core subjects, PK 3/4 participate in Music class once a week, PE twice a week and Library once a week. Students in the PK 4/5 class are offered Music twice a week, PE twice a week, Library once a week and Guidance once a week. PK 4/5 students make their stage debut in the Winter Holiday and Grandparents Day programs, and also take several field trips throughout the year. PK students and Grade 3 reading buddies team up once a week for a reading activity. This is a favorite time for both groups. Parent Buddy Readers are also used to enrich the PK 4/5 program.