What do children learn in preschool?
Preschool curriculum in Canada: subjects, activities, and themes
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Quick summary
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Preschools are a hotbed of learning for kids. Children, especially young ones, are eager learners. They’re like sponges: they soak up everything around them—the environment, surroundings, sights, and sounds.
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But what do children learn in preschool? Of course, this will depend on the preschool and its approach to early learning. Some private preschools focus more on play-based learning. Others offer more structured, sit-down learning (academic preschool). And some offer a fairly equal combination of play-based and sit-down learning.
No matter the approach or philosophy, though, most preschools (like daycare centres) tend to have similar educational goals. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, some of their more important goals include the following:
Often, then, preschools have similar learning outcomes and ways of measuring whether they’re met. And while they get there in different ways, they often cover similar ground: subjects, topics, skills, and the like.
Below, we outline a common preschool curriculum (Canada). First, we list subjects, topics, and exercises frequently covered in preschool. Then we list common preschool activities for kids between the ages of 3 and 6 (and sometimes younger). Finally, we list some common preschool trends.
Keep in mind, though, that not all preschools follow this curriculum. Moreover, even when they do, they often have different approaches to delivering it (based on different philosophies, such as Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia).
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There are some common subjects covered in preschool education. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) department at Concordia University (in Portland, Oregon) provides a nice overview of these in their preschool curriculum guide. This guide outlines some of the main subjects and topics covered at the preschool level.
There are also some common preschool learning activities in the classroom. Below, is an overview of the some of the main ones. Note, many of these are great activities for preschool-age kids to do at home as well.
Finally, there are some common preschool trends in the way private preschools deliver curricula. This includes both pedagogical approaches and topical focuses (which depart from the core curriculum). Some preschools don’t follow these trends (or at least all of them), but they’ve become quite popular in recent years.
“There should be a broad range of activities, including interactive, motor, listening, and sensory experiences. Here is a suggested checklist of must-haves (with examples of activities) for brain-building and happy productivity:
“Letters and sounds: Kids will learn to recognize and name all 26 uppercase letter and lowercase letters (lowercase letters are harder to learn at this age). They will recognize their own first name and be able to print it, along with other letters and meaningful words like ‘mom,’ ‘dad,’ and ‘love.’ Numbers and counting: Teachers will help kids learn to recognize and identify the numbers 1 through 10 and correctly count 10 or more objects. Learning what numerals 0 to 9 look like and being able to name them correctly is one of the first math skills preschoolers learn.
Cutting and drawing: Before entering kindergarten, children should be able to cut with scissors. As they develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, they will start drawing and colouring beyond just scribbles and will learn to use pencils, paint brushes, and glue. Socializing and sharing: Developing important social skills is necessary before starting kindergarten; preschoolers will learn how to share and cooperate, work together and take turns, participate in group activities, follow simple directions, and communicate wants and needs.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“The academic skills that are acquired through direct instruction by our preschoolers include writing their names and learning their addresses and phone numbers. Students are also provided with the opportunity to learn colours, sizes, and shapes. For our math and phonics-related classes, numbers and prewriting skills are introduced, as well as shape identification, letter recognition, sounds, and rhyming. Our teachers also introduce children to simple sentence structure, addition, and subtraction.
Through storytime activities, literacy and comprehension skills and language development are fostered. Our social studies program emphasizes skills such as persistence, respect for others, cooperation, honesty, trustworthiness, and sensitivity. With regards to our art program, our preschoolers use varied materials to create original pieces. Different colours, textures, and shapes are also used to reinforce self-expression.” Debbie Keough, teacher at Prestige School, a gifted school, in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“The main question parents need to ask themselves about the Waldorf curriculum is: What is being taught if it is not math work sheets, early reader book series, or desk work? What is experiential learning like in preschool and kindergarten? For math and reading it looks something like this:
“Our preschool program encourages the developments of social skills through creative play, enriching stories, and time outdoors together. At this age, children engage in the world entirely through their own senses. So they will have natural toys and materials at hand and plenty of time outdoors for free play. Imaginative play, the focus of the early childhood classroom and the true ‘work’ of the child, encourages problem solving and creative thinking. It is the most effective way to cultivate a love of learning and set a foundation for academic excellence.” Lylli Anthon, faculty chair of Halton Waldorf school, in Burlington, Ontario
“Children experience the joy of learning through a variety of activities that support letter and number recognition, colour and shape identification, and explore the physical world through science and social experiences. In addition, as part of our program, children will gain the knowledge of self, family, culture, and community.” Stacy Paton, ECE program manager of Queen Margaret’s School, in Duncan, British Columbia
“Rather than confining preschool learning to the boundaries of traditional subject areas, learning is centred around six themes of global significance which are explored in the classroom using several subjects. Our transdisciplinary program makes youngsters understand connections between learning and the ‘real world,’ thus engaging them and stimulating their desire for learning. The preschool curriculum crosses disciplines and empowers children to be inquisitive.” Nora Ibrahim, preschool teacher and IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) coordinator at Académie de la Capitale, in Ottawa, Ontario
“Our curriculum is designed specifically for the preschool program. Language and personal expression are based on the individual needs of the child. The curriculum is rooted in exploratory, play-based learning that zeros in on math, language, gross motor skills, and social and emotional development.” Corina Gill, assistant head of the lower school at Bayview Glen Independent School, in Toronto, Ontario
“We foster academic excellence through guided and pod learning, teacher-directed lessons, and exploratory, creative, and inquiry-based activities. Subject areas such as phonics, printing, math, French, social studies, geography, and music are taught in a cross-curricular, fun, and inviting manner. Imagination, creativity, and play are a part of daily activities. Basic learning techniques and skills such as storytelling, poetry, drawing, painting, and more are emphasized weekly.” Paula Carrasco, director of Kendelhurst Academy, in Mississauga, Ontario
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Ottawa, Ontario — Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$14,800 to $28,300
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
370
Avg. Class:
15 to 17
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,000 to $16,000
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
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Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$12,000 to $16,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
10 to 18
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