Rustomjee International Preprimary program

5. Language and Vocabulary

Preschool is a language-rich environment where children’s vocabulary expands dramatically. 

They learn sentence construction, the use of grammar and tenses, the meaning of words, etc.

Language and vocabulary are learnt throughout the day while:

• Having circle time discussions

• Singing rhymes and songs

• Playing games

• Playing alone and with friends

• Learning about a theme

• Playing with toys, equipment and other materials

• Listening to stories

6. Pre-Writing Skills

 Writing starts with developing important pre-writing skills through play and art activities. These four skills are specific requirements for learning to write and will be the focus during preschool:

• Pencil grip

•  Crossing the midline

• Learning about letters and their formation (though play, not formal writing)

• Learning to form patterns (for example drawing big waves or zig-zags which mimic the shapes found in letters)

7. Listening Skills

Listening is one of the most important and often under-developed skills. This should be a focus area during preschool. 

Children learn to listen by doing these kinds of activities:

• Listening to stories

• Playing games such as Broken Telephone or I Spy

• Following instructions

• Class discussions

• Music activities

Although children are learning to listen at school, it is highly recommended to focus on these skills at home too. Children with good listening skills are much more successful and capable at school. Here are some listening games you can play at home. 

8. Musical Skills

Music in preschool is about so much more than just developing musical skills. Music develops children’s:

•  Vocabulary

• Understanding of rhyme, syllables and sounds

• Auditory perception

• Concentration

• Fine motor skills (finger plays)

• Gross motor skills (action rhymes)

• Mathematical skills (counting rhymes)

• decision-making skills (games such as musical chairs)

11. Pre-Reading Skills

During preschool children develop all the necessary pre-reading skills to set them up for learning to read formally.

Learning to read requires developing sound knowledge (auditory perception) and symbol knowledge (visual perception), as explained above. 

These are the five main pre-reading skills:

• Print awareness – understanding that written words convey meaning

• Motivation to read – exposure to books that ignites a desire to read

• Listening comprehension – the ability to understand what is heard

• Letter knowledge – informal exposure to letters and their sounds during play

• Phonological awareness – being able to hear sounds in words (beginning, middle and end sounds)

Children are exposed to these kinds of activities:

• Playing rhyming games 

• Playing word games 

• Games involving hearing syllables

• Playing listening games 

• Following instructions (single and multiple instructions)

12. Memory

At school, children also strengthen their memory, a skill they will rely on for learning throughout their education.

These are the kinds of games that are often played in preschool classes:

• Memory card games 

• Circle memory games 

• I went to the shops and I bought a… – each child has a turn to add an item, but must first recall the entire list before adding their item

• Categories – pick a category (e.g. fruits) and go around the circle asking each child to add the name of one fruit. No fruits may be said twice so children must remember which ones were already mentioned 

13. Early Science Concepts

As children explore and interact with their environment and nature, they also learn about early science concepts. 

A great example is learning about physics by discovering the properties of water during water play:

• Water makes sand heavier

• Water influences the texture of sand 

• Water falls through space (e.g. through a sieve)

• Air (wind) moves water 

• Water is a liquid because it pours

• Water takes the shape of the container it is poured into

Some activities and areas covered in the Pre-primary class include:

• Practical Life Skills: Self-care and home care skills that will last a lifetime

• Sensory Activities: Exploring the world with all of the senses, and developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Fun games and activities help your child hone her fine and gross motor skills through play and exploration.

• Language and Communication Builders: Stories, songs, and games designed to build strong communication skills in a fun social setting.

• Early Math and Critical Thinking Skills: Counting, matching, sorting and other skills designed to help even small preschoolers learn about math concepts and build a foundation.

• Science and Nature Exploration: Exploring the natural world is at the heart of the Montessori method; your child will learn about the seasons, plants and animals via time spent outdoors and our innovative play materials.

• Hands on Art Experiences: The process, not the end product, is at the heart of our creative and flexible art program.

• In addition to strengthening socialization skills -- how to compromise, be respectful of others, and problem-solve -- preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with her peers, and build confidence. Kids in preschool discover that they are capable and can do things for themselves -- from small tasks like pouring their own juice and helping set snack tables to tackling bigger issues like making decisions about how to spend their free time

• Our 4- and 5-year-olds have begun asking some wonderful questions about the world around them -- what happens to the water after the rain? Do birds play? Quality preschools help children find answers through exploration, experimentation, and conversation."