PRESCHOOL ACADEMICS

Rockford Lutheran Preschool is a fun, safe, loving and encouraging place for our youngest students.  Classrooms are filled with adventure. Teachers care for these little ones as if they were their own.  Play with purpose permeates our day. Students are challenged to learn. Helping our students to grow socially/emotionally is a huge part of what we do while we prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.   All the pieces are in place for our students to excel while having fun and learning about Jesus.

Academic preparation for kindergarten is at the heart of our preschool program.  Using the DIG (develop, inspire, grow) Curriculum as our main resource, students learn the language, writing, and math skills that will lead them forward.  DIG, by Abrams Learning Trends, is a research-based, hands-on learning system that uses the Letter People to engage students and ensure that early concepts and skills are developed appropriately and adequately.  Fully qualified teachers use DIG and other resources to help students grow in the subjects of language arts, science, math, social studies, art and Bible.​

Developing well-rounded students and providing exceptional opportunities is the reason that preschool students also have classes with specialized teachers in physical education, Spanish, drama and music.  Our school librarian works with students weekly to check out books.

We often learn through play.  Having students grow in social/emotional skills as well as academic skills through play is a key component to our program.  For that reason, we have an indoor playground specifically for our preschool students.

We strive to develop the whole child in an atmosphere of Christian care; developing their confidence, creativity and love for learning.  We lead children to be physically, socially and cognitively active. They learn by exploring, questioning, experimenting and playing.

• Classes are available for 3-year old and for 4-year old students.
• Classes for both age groups are offered Monday through Friday
• Full Day Classes: 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Half Day Attendance Option: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
• OR either option is available in a 3 Day schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Before Care is available from 6:30 – 7:45 a.m. and After Care is available 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• The pre-elementary program follows the Rockford Lutheran School calendar.
• The child must be able to toilet independently.  Please see the handbook for more information on this topic.

 Generally, students must be age appropriate by September 1st.  Students that turn three during the school year can enroll once they turn three (some conditions apply).

Schedule may vary daily due to enrichment activities and chapel.

​Morning Schedule

• 8:00 – Free Play / Opening activities
• 8:30 – Calendar and Circle Time
• 8:45 – Jesus Time
• 9:00 – Snack
• 9:15 – Large Group Activities
• 9:30 – Enrichment Activities (Drama / Music, PE, Spanish and Library)
• 10:00 – Learning Centers and Small Group Activities (Math/ Science, Language Arts, Purposeful Play, Art, Handwriting)
• 11:30 – Dismiss Morning Students

Afternoon Schedule

• • 11:45 – Lunch
  • 12:15 – Recess
  • 12:50 – Story Time
  • 1:00 – Nap
  • 2:15 – Free Play
  • 2:40 – Closing
  • 2:45 – Dismissal

Rockford Lutheran preschool teachers assess each student three times a year: fall, winter and spring.  We focus on five areas of development: Social/emotional, Academic, Language, Physical and Spiritual.

By the end of four-year-old preschool, it is our goal that each student will be able to do these things consistently and independently:

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Uses kind words when angry or frustrated—does not use physical means.
Separates from family member without stress—appears comfortable and secure.
Understands and follows multi-step directions.
Stays with an activity to completion.
Listens to stories without interrupting.
Works well in large and small group activities.
Respects the rights, property and feelings of others—is kind to others.
Understands and practices the concept of keeping your hands to yourself.
Understands their own feelings and how it relates to the Zones of Regulation.
Recognizes and respects those in authority.
Complies with rules, limits and routines of the classroom.
Accepts correction—without anger and aggressive outburst.
Demonstrates independence in personal care (washing hands, bathroom use, hanging up coat).
Willingly attempts new tasks—isn’t afraid to make a mistake.
Uses manners (please, thank you, your welcome, etc.).
Wants to do things for himself/herself—wants to be independent.
Functions independently in completing tasks.

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Identifies all alphabet capital letters.
Identifies all alphabet lower case letters.
Identifies letter sounds.
Understands how letters fit together to form words.
Knows 30 sight words.
Prints own first and last name.
Counts to 100.
Correctly counts number of objects in a group to 20.
Places numbers in order up to 12.
Recognizes 11 basic colors.
Recognizes 10 various basic shapes.
Participates in art and music activities (draws pictures, paints, dances, sings).
Draws self-portrait including head, arms, legs, body.
Sorts by color, shape & size.
Uses comparison words (bigger, smaller, etc.).
Uses positional words (in/out, front/back, on/off, under/over, beside/between/behind).
Uses ordinal words (first, second, third, last).
Makes or identifies patterns (ABAB, AAB, AABB).
Shows knowledge of rhyming.
Able to sequence events.
Matches letter, pictures, sound (letter A, apple picture, short vowel a sound).

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

While listening to a story, answers simple questions, makes predictions, describes characters’ feelings.
Sings and/or recites nursery rhymes, songs, Bible verses, etc.
Asks questions—wonders about things.
Expresses ideas or experiences so others can understand.
Speaks in complete sentences of 5 to 10 words.
Verbally and appropriately responds to questions and topics.
Makes simple comparisons—can explain how a sweater, shoe and hat are the same.

RELIGION/FAITH

Participates in prayer / worship.
Shares thoughts and ideas about God.
Expresses faith & love by being empathetic and caring to others.