Curriculum
We believe the early years of school should be a time for creative play and learning. At Decatur First Preschool, we use SMART Box Early Learning Experiences to enhance learning. This program is based on developmentally appropriate learning experiences focusing on all areas of child development: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
STEAM ENRICHMENT
We offer an enrichment program that is included in your tuition. The Rainbow Room program is composed of Music, Science/STEM, Art, Spanish, and Fun Fitness classes for all the students enrolled into our program.
Science: Our teachers use hands-on activities and experiences to promote critical thinking and exploration. Our science/STEM units expose children at an early age to the amazing and fun world of science. Science/STEM is offered weekly for children enrolled in the 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.
Art: Art allows children to master fine motor skills in an immersive, fun, and creative way. Our teachers use a variety of art media and natural materials to help children practice grasping, holding, and utilizing tools in much the same way they would while writing. Art is offered weekly for children enrolled in the 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.
Music
Through music, teachers engage children in singing, rhythmic sounds, playing and learning about instruments, and creative body movement to develop music appreciation as well as dramatic interpretation. All classes receive music weekly.
SPANISH
Spanish instruction is taught using a variety of games, songs, books, manipulatives, and other oral language development techniques in a playful language rich environment laying the foundation for the awareness and interest in future language learning experiences. Spanish is offered weekly for children enrolled in the 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.
FIELD TRIPS
This year, we will host in-house field trips. Upcoming in-house field trips include a visiting petting zoo, puppet ministry, and magical story reader! Be on the lookout for this information in our weekly newsletter.
Wednesday Worship
Wednesday Worship is held every Wednesday in the sanctuary beginning in September for children in the 2 through 4-year-old classes. The program begins at 12:25 pm and ends at 12:45 pm. Wednesday Worship consists of singing two or three religious songs led by the Decatur First Children’s Ministry Director. The Children’s Ministry Director also shares Bible Stories with applicable lessons for the children’s growth and development. Additional members of our church staff conduct a short children’s wake-up-for-the-day fun stretch routine, and birthdays from the past week are celebrated. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend. All parents and family members who attend Wednesday Worship must follow the same dismissal protocols and sign their children out from the classroom for end of day release after the worship service.
TODDLER TIME
The DFUMC Children’s Minister will host Bible Stories for children in the 1- and 2-year-old classes weekly. During this time, the children will participate in a short worship experience including songs and stories.
Fun Fitness
Fun Fitness provides students the opportunity to learn about different sports, and engage in various athletic activities in order to enhance their fine and gross motor skills. Fun Fitness classes are a space where children can enjoy structured play, learn about various physical fitness and movement activities, and set their ‘wiggles’ free. Fun Fitness is offered weekly for children enrolled in the 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.
