Middleton 4K Curriculum

Kids Junction Preschool Learning Center's goal is to have every child's day filled with learning experiences while meeting the needs of each child's individual development. We have combined some of the best curriculum to deliver an all-encompassing learning experience.

Assessments & Parent Conferences - We believe that assessing individual and group progress is the key to planning programs that respond to the needs, interests and abilities of children in any classroom. With ongoing assessment, our teachers can focus on all aspects of a child's development. At the beginning of the school year curriculum goals and objectives are set in place and throughout the school-year we collect work samples and document facts and skill levels for each child. We assess the children in the fall and spring and provide conferences for parents to meet with their child's teacher and review their child's progress.

Houghton Mifflin - A hands-on, minds-on curriculum that is based on scientific research.  Aligned with key Pre-K learning goals, it provides children with the foundational skills they need to succeed as lifelong learners.

Handwriting Without Tears - This uses multi-sensory techniques for letter building and recognition to teach handwriting to children of every age. Instruction begins by first introducing and reinforcing the pincer grip (proper grip for holding a writing utensil) before moving into letter formation. Handwriting without Tears also uses Mat Man to help reinforce the child's self image and portrait.

Music Class (special) - The children participate weekly with a professional music teacher. She brings the love of learning and music together.

Art Class (special) - Once a week an art teacher visits to encourage the children's art awareness, appreciation, and ability. In these classes children imagine, design, and explore art though a wide variety of artist materials and techniques.

PE Class (special) - Weekly, our formally trained physical education teacher instructs the children in simple games and basic physical movements. Children learn balance, flexibility, hopping/galloping, skipping etc. Group games highlight the skills of teamwork and patience. Studies have shown that movement and the stimulation of the vestibular system in early childhood actually improves focus, concentration, problem-solving, speech, language, reading, writing, and social-emotional maturity.

Social Studies - The scope and sequence begins by learning "All About Me" and continues to expand out to the formation of friends and bonds with other children. It also involves learning how the decision making process works in a group setting. It covers development of social skills, presonal responsibility, sharing, cooperation, dealing with emotions, accepting differences between people, and learning a sense of community and responsibility to the community.

Letters and Language - Through story telling, finger plays, and teachers will encourage children to develop their language skills through repetition and conversation. These are crucial tools to give children the opportunity to express themselves using language.

Early Math - Is incorporated daily into our curriculum. Math helps children make sense of the world around them, develops reasoning and problem-solving skills. Math activities include learning how to count, sorting toys or snacks, recognizing patterns, or learning how to graph favorites.

Science - Kids Junction science is taught through observation and hands-on experiments. The children explore the world around them using cause and effect experiments. They discover texture, explore with their five senses, chart observations, and do lots of measuring during cooking experiments. Children also learn to care for living things in their environment.

Music and Movement - Music and movement takes place throughout the day. It is an integral part of circle time, transitions, free play and storytelling. It enhances language development, rhyming, hand-eye coordination, musical tones and the introduction of simple instruments bring a smile to every child as they create their own music.

Art - Art is a hands-on activity that expands imaginations and exercises creativity. It is incorporated on a daily basis into the classroom lesson plan. Whether it is painting with hands, puffy paint, or drawing a picture of an apple. Children learn that all of their creations are pieces of beauty.

Dramatic Play - Kids Junction Preschool places a priority on giving children several opportunities for dramatic play during the day. Dramatic play is central to children's healthy development and learning during the preschool years. The children explore a large number of themed play areas that change throughout the school year; house area, restaurant and many others.