Let’s explore the world together as we learn preschool skills in a hands-on, meaningful way. Students will work across many curricular areas in this class. Ms. Rachel will provide lessons that tie in with the overall theme of learning around the world, one continent at a time. 

Calendar Time
We will begin each class with a welcome song followed by circle time songs and activities. 

ELA
Using Science of Reading/Orton-Gillingham best practices and research that is multi-sensory, sequential, incremental, and explicit. Students work with letter names, letter sounds, word families, and more! Our handwriting curriculum is multi-sensory. Using sand trays and chalkboards, we will practice writing our letters twice a week. Play-dough letter mats will be included in the weekly newsletter for at-home handwriting fun. We use a variety of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, and storytelling, with storyboards so that students are exposed to many different types of books. 

Math, Science, and Geography
During our math and science time, students use their own manipulatives as we explore number sense, addition, subtraction, and more. Using a second camera, students can work at their own tables simultaneously. We will work on basic calendar skills but also use higher-level thinking to practice patterns as we move through the month. Number sense is emphasized so that students gain a deep foundation for numerical fluency and can apply their basic skills during problem-solving. In addition, students play games to build mathematical fluency and confidence in a fun way. We continually spiral back to review number sense skills throughout the year so that students continually use their number sense, even when learning other math concepts.

Science and geography are integrated with the continent we are learning about. 

*Our weekly schedule is: 
Monday- ELA /Weekly Story/Weekly Story Activity 
Tuesday- Math and Science/Geography 
Wednesday- ELA / Practical life activity
Thursday- Math and Science/Geography 
Fun Friday at home- Students participate in optional, high-quality activities based on concepts from the school week and class interests. These activities are meant to be a valuable extension of what we do in class but are completely optional to fit your family’s schedule.  

Specific Weekly Plan:

Week of August 21st:  
Book- The Bears Go To School
Phonics -t, a
Handwriting- L, F
Math- Numbers 1 - 4
Science/Geography- Where we live

Week of August 28th:  
Book- Going to School
Phonics - b, h
Handwriting- E, H
Math- Numbers 0 and 5
Science/Geography- The Seven Continents

Week of September 4th:  
Book- Woodland
Phonics - n, m
Handwriting- T, I
Math- Numbers 6 - 9
Science/Geography- Using Maps and Globes

Week of September 18th:  
Book- A Friendship Yarn
Phonics - r, l
Handwriting- U, C
Math- Combinations that make 10
Science/Geography- North America

Week of September 25th:  
Book- Woodland Creatures
Phonics - Review
Handwriting- O, Q
Math- Combinations that make 10
Science/Geography- Hibernation

Week of October 2nd:  
Book- How Bear Lost His Tail
Phonics - i, c
Handwriting- G, S
Math- Combinations that make 10
Science/Geography- Adaptation

Week of October 9th:  
Book- Eaglet's World
Phonics - f, d
Handwriting- J, D
Math- Combinations that make 10
Science/Geography- Trees

Week of October 16th:  
Book- The Brave Little Hare
Phonics - g, j
Handwriting- P, B, R
Math- Sorting and Classifying
Science/Geography- How leaves change color


Please note that I will not be able to release class recordings for any classes where we read a book. This is part of our agreement with Usborne and Albert Whitman & Company Publishers, who have graciously permitted us to read their books during class.