Pre Kindergarten (ages 3-5)  Learning Because it's Fun During play, young children make sense of their world. The International School of Larissa provides the ideal setting for purposeful play that allows children to learn while having fun. They learn to share and they also learn to respect other peoples property. At International School of Larissa, we believe that children's play is an expression of intelligence and growth. Play is the essential work of childhood and an important part of developing cognitive, emotional, and problem-solving skills. Our Preschool classrooms are well equipped with materials that encourage imagination and socialization-including books, blocks, educational toys, paint, dramatic play, and sensory activities. Children at ISL also learn structure and adherence to schedules. Children learn that there is a time to play and a time to clean up They also learn that before you eat, it's time to wash your hands. This combination of structure and fun makes The International School of Larissa the ideal place for children to start their education.
LANGUAGE ARTS Language Arts involve using and developing spoken language and developing an understanding that written symbols represent language and can be used to communicate. Preschool children learn to express themselves verbally and build their vocabulary through stories, books, dramatic play, and drawing. Language is valued as a positive, productive way to solve problems that may occur in the classroom. As children play, look at books, are read to, and learn to control and predict their environment, they develop and use many of the skills necessary for Effective communication. A child’s development moves from the large to the small. In developing visual discrimination, a child will first see and recognize a three-dimensional object, then a representative symbol, then letters, and finally words. ISL teachers monitor and guide the following areas for each child to ensure that children develop the necessary skills as they play and explore:
Children also learn as they see and hear adults read, write, and converse.
As soon as a child thinks of himself or herself (one) and others (more than one), the child is beginning to understand and learn math. Mathematics is a way of ordering and thinking about the world—it is much more than learning to count and to read and write numbers. Preschool math is all about grasping mathematical concepts through a knowledge discovered by hands on experience and observation. When children play in the classroom using manipulative toys, building in the block area, setting the table, taking only two crackers for snack, and playing in the sandbox or seesaw, they are developing mathematical skills and concepts, including:
Science in the Preschool means exploring, experimenting, discovering, and developing an awareness of the changing world. Science is also engaging in activities such as observing grass row, watching snow melt in their hands, studying and researching the effects of gravity. In ISL Preschool classes, children study the natural sciences by having plants in the classroom, observing growth in themselves and others, and following the weather. Preschool science study consists of concrete experiences: When children observe actions and reactions or watch water as it splashes onto the ground, they are studying the physical sciences and gaining an understanding of changes and properties. Other science activities include using magnets, color wheels, and magnifying glasses. As the children explore, their observations lead to “scientific” predictions and eventually to finding ways to record their observations.
SOCIAL STUDIES Social Studies encourages preschoolers to explore their immediate environment. Children begin a journey of discovery as they learn about their classroom community. They learn routines, and rules, and begin to understand how to function as a group. They work to recognize likenesses and differences among their peers. By sharing different backgrounds, looking at holiday traditions, exploring a variety of cultural and ethnic activities, listening to music, and watching dances, Preschoolers discover the many wonderful differences and common threads that bind individuals together. Learning respect for and acceptance of varied ideas and opinions is one of the many goals of the program.
ART & MUSIC Art is a form of communication as natural to children as talking. Creating, experimenting, and learning go hand in hand. Art is exploratory and provides the child with a focus on objects outside himself. It is a source of immediate experience and does not need to be planned or purposeful. Our students have opportunities to create art each and every day. Preschool children engaged in art activities are developing the following skills:
Music is to make, to use, and to enjoy. It is a direct experience that is a part of Preschool class at ISL. We sing and listen to a diverse collection of music at various times during each day. As children sing and do finger plays, they use their imaginations and improve coordination. They develop an appreciation for the patterns and the musical variety produced by rhythms and melodies. Most important at this age, they learn to simply love music and find joy in participating.
DRAMATIC PLAY Dramatic play allows children many opportunities to use their imaginations in a variety of ways. This kind of play is fun and an extremely important part of a child’s growth and development. It is here that children in a safe, supportive environment with the guidance of teachers can:
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