https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:45:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766995 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:40:32 +0000 looch 2766995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son went to a private program, on the grounds of a nature center. It was the closest thing I could find to the European style waldspielgruppe (forest play group) that my husband experienced. It was really important that my son have as much play and outdoor time as possible.</p> <p>Having written that, for the 4's program, it was half day, about 2.5 hours and the 5's program was about 4.5 hours, so not even close to approaching the kindergarten 6 hours, but I was okay with that. The programs were very loose, for example they had a unit where they learned about their town, and the programs in the town, the police, movie theaters, grocery stores, etc. They also had "play stations" set up, where the kids could go and pretend they were in a doctor's office or ice skating rink. There were no worksheets and very little actual academics other than recognizing their name and address. They basically learned how to function in a classroom.</p> <p>The fives program was a little more intense in that it had a math center, a sensory table, a science center, but it still had building blocks and dress up. Again, very little in terms of actual academics, but a lot of recognition of numbers and letters, but no reading.</p> <p>In hindsight, this put me in a position where I sent my child to kindergarten not knowing how to read...so I was extremely anxious about it because he showed no interest. He was totally fine not being able to read, but I was not okay with it. It made for a stressful few months of kindergarten, but in the end, he learned on his own time and now is reading at a second grade level as he is entering first grade. It's really important to me that he doesn't jump too far ahead because comprehension is a big deal, moreso that sounding out words.</p> <p>So, I wouldn't change a thing, but there was a brief period of time where I felt I should have looked for a more academic environment, but it's all worked out now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766981 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:21:19 +0000 Mamatimes3 2766981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1 went to PK4 at a catholic school. He was about to turn 4 when it started so he was one of the youngest. I was worried but he is pretty mature so we decided to try it. He did great. School started at 7:45 and ended by 2:30. He learned letters, numbers, worked on writing, had music class and library. He loved it. They did have centers where they played and the teacher worked individually with kids or groups. At open house, they did stress that the kids were still just 4 and their purpose was also to help them transition to a big kid school environment. Because he was one of the younger he did have some hesitation with change but that improved as he got older throughout the year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766882 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 22:02:23 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2766882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is just finishing his pre-k program at a Montessori school and he's mostly enjoyed it. He's learned letter sounds, number sense, how to write his name, and social skills. Hes a very emotional kid, but he keeps it in check at school for the most part. He may surprise you with how he is at school vs. home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766781 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:26:33 +0000 matador84 2766781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our Pre-K programs are 4 year olds. It is a half day program, morning or afternoon. Some play based while the teacher pulls small groups for letter recognition, letter-sound recognition, number work, etc. They also do beginning Writer's Workshop, and usually have about a 15-20 minute recess. It goes by fast and prepares them very well for kinder! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766776 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:11:52 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2766776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If he's the right age I think he will be fine! They know what they're doing. I say this as someone whose kid started TK this morning at a public elementary. </p> <p>A lot of the curriculum is similar to preschool, no HW. Letter recognition, reading books, counting, science, music and PE officially once a week but also with their teacher, some technology involved. She has to be more independent but not a crazy amount. She came home happy so it seems like it's going to go well. GL! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-pre-k#post-2766762 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:40:56 +0000 travellingbee 2766762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did your child learn this year? Did they enjoy the year? Was it full day or half-day? At an elementary school or elsewhere? Was it play-based?<br /> My oldest is transitioning to an elementary school pre-K in a week and I am so nervous for the year, since it will be so different! I'm a little worried, because although he is very bright, he is still quite a baby in some ways and still at times throws temper tantrum's etc. So I'm worried about him being a wiggley four-year-old and getting in trouble. But I am excited for the learning that will happen this year! I hope! </p>