St. Paul's Lutheran School

Early Childhood Curriculum

St. Paul’s offers a developmentally appropriate Early Childhood Program that begins with age 3. Our entrance age requirement is September 1 for the three year olds, four year olds, and five year olds. It is our desire that children develop to the potential that God has planned for them. We can best enhance that process by providing a healthy and educationally appropriate experience in our Early Childhood Program.

We create an environment where children can experiment and explore with age appropriate activities and experience success that will enhance their future learning. The morning includes Jesus time where children learn Bible stories and songs. During circle time they may be introduced to a letter, color, or shape. The majority of the class session is spent in center activities. These activities are designed to cover various themes such as “seasons of the year”. Opportunities are given for making choices, making various items through a variety of means as well as opportunities to learn through play, such as the housekeeping corner. Activities that help the children learn to recognize and eventually write letters are included. Each child’s “literacy” is emerging and activities are planned around that concept.

It is our goal to expose the children to letters and words and give them as much experience with the language as possible for their age. Children in Kindergarten do receive some direct instruction in reading but it is not our expectation that all Kindergarten children learn to read However, if a child is able to read in Kindergarten, opportunities for that child to grow will be provided.