Crane Class (3-4 years)
Three-and four-year olds in the Crane Class continue to develop social and self-help skills in a fun, structured environment. Cranes also begin to participate in games and exercises designed to develop math and reading readiness. Crane students learn responsibility for their space and belongings, and become increasingly self-sufficient.
In math, the focus is on number skills: recognition of numbers from 1-10, and concepts of quantity. Recognition of shapes, colors and patterns also form the framework for more advanced mathematical skills. Calendar exercises reinforce counting and number skills, and provide a link to science topics through discussions of weather and seasons.
Three and four year olds receive an introduction to phonics in the Crane class through stories, poems, and simple exercises. Children learn correct, comfortable writing positions and practice writing their names; a skill that makes them very proud! Through these academic activities, students hone their motor skills, learn to follow directions, and work independently.
In addition to academics, there are always many opportunities for creative and free play. Cranes love to visit the dress up area, curl up with a favorite book in the library corner, or let their imaginations run wild with art projects. During play, students develop their social skills and learn to express themselves.
*In addition to regular classroom teachers, the Crane Class also has music, Japanese, Spanish and yoga lessons from specialized teachers every week.
- Gallery
- Curriculum
- Schedule
| Month | Language | Math | Science | Values | Art |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | Introduction to the Alphabet | 1, 2, 3 | Five Senses | Honesty | Painting Without Brushes |
| October | Same and Different | 4, 5, 6, 7 | Body Parts | Respect | Color Mixing |
| November | Rhyming Words | Size Comparisons 8, 9, 10 |
Farm Animals | Courage | Marble Painting |
| December | Story Telling | Counting and Writing 1 – 5 |
Hibernation & Migration | Understanding | Recycle |
| January | Letter Sound Review | Number Recognition 6 - 10 |
Jungle Animals | Trust | Modeling Clay |
| February | Poetry | Sequencing | Dental Health | Compassion | Sewing |
| March | Beginning Sounds | Grouping 6-10 |
Sea Life | Right and Wrong | 3-D Art |
| April | Fairy Tales | 1 to 1 Relationship | Plants and Seeds | Sensitivity | Textures |
| May | Creating a Book | Counting and Writing 1-10 | Farm Animals | Caring | Flowers |
| June | Poems | Review 1 - 10 | Insects | Responsibility | Patterns and Design |
| July | Science Adventures | Number Exploration | |||
| August | Science Adventures | Number Exploration |
| Morning Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | School Opens Inside / Outside Play |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Circle Time & Snack Time |
| 9:30 – 10:00 (Alternate Days) | Music/Japanese/Library Time |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Inside / Outside Play |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Academic Time / Science Time |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Make Beds |
| 11:15 – 11:55 | Lunch Time |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Outside Play |
| Afternoon Schedule | |
| 1:00 – 3:00 | Bathroom & Nap Time |
| 3:00 – 3:45 | Wake up and Snack Time |
| 3:45 – 4:15 | Library & Story Time |
| 4:15 – 5:00 (Alternate Days) | P.E. / Art / Puzzles / Projects |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Outside Play & Go Home |