Week 1 - My Family
All families are unique and special. At an early age, it is important for children to talk about not only their family, but others' as well. Through discussions, books, games and dramatic play, children will learn about and celebrate a variety of family structures and how uniquely different they can be. Children are able to expand their understanding of families by learning that even though families are different, they share many similarities too. Preschool classrooms can model positive familial dynamics by practicing cooperation, problem-solving and kindness. Teachers and caregivers can provide an environment that nurtures the idea that children are valued members of their family and the classroom.  

Letter: Ff, Mm. Phonic Words: fish, fork, fan, milk, mouse, moon. Basic Concepts: red, circle, kind.

Week 2 - My Feelings
Feelings can be complex and challenging to manage at any age. As children navigate new experiences and interactions, they need help identifying emotions and finding calming strategies. Teachers can help teach children how to identify emotions and guide them through ways to express their feelings and calm their bodies as needed. Through discussion and role-play, children can explore why they feel a specific way and how others might feel in the same situation. This is a great starting place for children to learn about empathy. As children talk about their feelings, they are building a strong foundation of emotional development. These important skills help foster knowledge of self and confidence and support positive relationship-building throughout the child's life. 

Letter: Aa, Pp. Phonic Words: apple, alligator, astronaut, pig, penguin, piano.

Week 3 - My Pets
Children love learning about animals. The topic of pets can be especially engaging and relatable for children as they, or someone they know, may have experience with a pet already. Since pets are animals that can typically be seen in children's environments, they may have existing knowledge that they are excited to share and expand on. While learning about pets, children can explore the concept of respecting living things and gain understanding about basic needs. Just like people, pets need food, water, shelter and love. Teachers can also help children build responsibility by talking about the importance of caring for pets. Through books and imaginary play, children can practice ways to take care of animals they might encounter in their everyday lives. 

Letter: Tt, Oo. Phonic Words: tiger, tooth, turtle, octopus, otter, olive.

Week 4 - Friendly Traits
A preschool classroom is a great place to start practicing friendly traits, such as cooperation. Social-emotional skills are like any other skill: they must be learned and practiced. Children can learn and practice through a variety of situations in their daily lives. They may include sharing toys or following a simple one-step direction. To cooperate, children must develop listening and communication skills. These skills take time to build, but with practice, children can demonstrate traits like caring for others and being helpful. Teachers can facilitate social-emotional development by providing opportunities to work together and solve problems during planned or in-the-moment activities. 

Letters: Ff, Mm, Aa, Pp, Tt, Oo. Phonic Words: fish, fork, fan, milk, mouse, moon, apple, alligator, astronaut, pig, penguin, piano, tiger, tooth, turtle, octopus, otter, olive.

      


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