In Preschool and Kindergarten, children lay the groundwork for academic success while learning how to interact socially, manage their emotions, and work with peers. At the French American Academy, we focus on developing these skills and easing children’s transition into preschool by using consistent methods and tools, such as the Responsive Classroom approach, which nurtures social-emotional growth and establishes daily routines.
Key Developmental Skills Your Child Will Learn in Preschool and Kindergarten
1. Navigating the Classroom and School Environment
One of the first steps in becoming a successful learner is understanding the structure of the school environment. At the FAA, children begin by discovering different areas of the classroom, such as the book corner, play corner, and morning meeting rug. They explore their immediate surroundings and, eventually, the entire school. This includes visiting various spaces such as the gymnasium, playgrounds, and cafeteria, where they learn the rules and vocabulary associated with each area. We also utilize guided discovery and interactive modeling to explore materials and routines, a key component of the responsive classroom approach.
While navigating the school environment, children gradually adapt routines that will guide them throughout the day. These routines provide predictability and security, helping children stay focused on learning. We introduce these routines early in the year, including morning meetings, signals for clean-up or quiet time, and smooth transitions between rooms and activities throughout the school year.
2. Participating in Group Activities and Gathering on the Carpet
In Preschool and Kindergarten, children are introduced to collaborative learning. They gather on the carpet for group discussions, storytime, morning and end-of-day meetings, or interactive lessons to help children engage with new ideas while fostering a sense of curiosity and love for learning. These group activities promote oral language development and also teach the importance of taking turns listening to others, all while building a strong sense of belonging and significance in the classroom.
3. Developing Active Listening Skills
In Preschool and Kindergarten, students practice listening to instructions, stories, and their peers, which helps improve their attention span and ability to process information. These early lessons in listening form the basis for more complex learning as they progress in grades.
4. Learning to Help and Communicate with Peers
Social interaction is at the heart of preschool education. Children learn to communicate with their classmates, express their needs, and offer help to others. These skills are crucial for developing empathy, cooperation, and effective teamwork. At the FAA, we encourage children to support one another, creating a collaborative and inclusive classroom culture.
5. Building Independence and Autonomy
Preschool is a time for children to begin taking responsibility for their actions and decisions. They are encouraged to make independent choices, whether it’s selecting activities, managing their belongings upon arrival, or cleaning up after themselves after an activity. This helps foster a sense of autonomy and builds self-confidence. By learning to handle small tasks independently, children become better prepared for future academic challenges, such as working independently in PreK4 and Kindergarten.
6. Managing Emotions, Frustrations, and Transitions
Emotional regulation is a vital skill, especially as children encounter new challenges in the school environment. At the FAA, we incorporate mindfulness practices in the classroom, such as breathing exercises, and provide an ‘oasis’ in each room—a calming, cozy space where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. These areas include children’s books on emotions, sensory bottles, and fidget toys to help them manage their feelings. These practices help students learn to manage their emotions, navigate frustrations, and cope with transitions throughout the day.
The Preschool and Kindergarten curriculum places a strong emphasis on teaching social-emotional learning, including teaching emotional vocabulary and techniques for managing emotions. In PK3 to Kindergarten, teachers use “Je valide” vignettes, allowing students to track not only their academic progress but also their emotional skills, which parents can also observe. This system helps children learn to identify and regulate their emotions.
Supporting Skill Development at Home
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these skills at home. By encouraging routines, free play, and fostering independence, parents can help their children feel more confident and prepared for the school environment. Simple practices like giving your child small responsibilities or discussing their emotions can make a significant difference in their emotional and academic growth.
