Creative Arts and Music: At this stage, children engage in more complex art projects, exploring a wider variety of materials and techniques. They experiment with different mediums, such as paint, clay, and fabric, to express their creativity. Music and rhythm are explored in greater depth, with children learning to recognize patterns in music, sing more complex songs, and experiment with rhythm and melodies. Children also begin to engage in simple compositions through movement and dance, building coordination and memory through music-related activities.

Physical and Well-Being: Children continue to develop both their fine and gross motor skills. They engage in activities that help refine their balance, coordination, and strength, such as jumping rope, hopping on one foot, climbing, and participating in group games. Fine motor skills improve through activities like drawing, cutting, and using tools such as scissors and pencils with greater precision. They also practice self-care tasks, such as dressing independently, managing personal hygiene routines, and organizing their belongings.

Language and Literacy: Pre-K 4 students are immersed in language development through more complex interactions. They learn to recognize and write all uppercase and lowercase letters and are introduced to letter-sound relationships. Phonemic awareness deepens as they learn to blend sounds and decode simple words. Vocabulary expands through reading aloud, storytelling, and discussions, with children being introduced to sight words and developing early reading skills. Writing skills advance as children practice writing simple sentences and their own names. Comprehension skills are built through listening to stories, asking and answering questions, and retelling stories in their own words.

Mathematics and Science: In mathematics, Pre-K 4 students develop a stronger understanding of numbers and counting, learning to count beyond 20 and recognizing numbers up to 100. They begin to grasp basic addition and subtraction concepts, and engage in activities that require them to sort, classify, and pattern objects. Basic geometry is introduced with a focus on identifying and naming shapes, as well as exploring their properties. In science, children engage in more complex observations and investigations, learning about the natural world through hands-on experiments and discussions. Concepts like seasons, weather, living versus non-living things, and simple physics are explored. Children also learn about the human body, the five senses, and the importance of plants and animals.

Social and Emotional Well-Being: Children at this stage continue to refine their social skills, learning to work cooperatively in groups and take turns in group activities. They begin to understand the importance of empathy, respecting differences, and resolving conflicts through communication. Emotional regulation becomes more refined, and children learn to express their emotions appropriately. Teachers continue to model and reinforce the use of positive language and behavior, helping children develop a sense of independence and self-confidence. Pre-K 4 students are encouraged to express their feelings, solve problems independently, and become more self-reliant in social settings.

Cognitive Skills: Pre-K 4 students are expected to engage in higher-level thinking, including making predictions, asking questions, and solving problems through exploration and inquiry. They are encouraged to follow multi-step directions and engage in tasks that require critical thinking and decision-making. Memory skills continue to develop as children engage in activities that require recall and attention to detail. Problem-solving activities, such as puzzles, sorting tasks, and building projects, challenge children to think logically and creatively. Pre-K 4 students also engage in activities that build their understanding of cause and effect, sequencing, and pattern recognition.

State Standards and Educational Goals: According to state guidelines for Pre-K 4, children are expected to meet the following benchmarks by the end of the school year:

• Language and Literacy: Recognize and write all uppercase and lowercase letters, understand letter sounds, and begin blending sounds into simple words and short sentences. Children should be able to read and write simple words and phrases, recognize high-frequency sight words, and demonstrate comprehension by retelling stories and answering questions about texts.

• Mathematics: Count to 100 by ones and tens, understand number concepts and relationships, and engage in simple addition and subtraction using objects. Children should be able to identify and describe basic shapes and their properties, sort and classify objects by size, color, and shape, and recognize and extend patterns.

• Physical Development: Demonstrate increased coordination and strength in gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and participating in group games. Fine motor control should include improved writing, cutting along lines, and building with small blocks and manipulatives.

• Social and Emotional Development: Understand and demonstrate appropriate social behaviors, such as cooperating with peers, following directions, and using kind words. Children should be able to express and label their emotions, resolve conflicts appropriately, and display empathy toward others.

• Science: Engage in basic scientific concepts, such as identifying parts of the body, understanding the needs of plants and animals, and observing weather patterns and seasonal changes. Children should be able to conduct simple experiments to explore cause-and-effect relationships.

• Social Studies: Understand the concept of community and family roles, recognizing the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Children should be familiar with the basic concepts of citizenship, following rules, and respecting differences.
  

This curriculum is designed to create a strong educational foundation that fosters each child's growth in all areas. Through structured learning, exploration, and play, the Pre-K 4 program ensures that children are not only prepared for kindergarten but also set up for success as they continue their educational journey.