Preschool Programs
A typical day at preschool includes free play, circle time/story time, art activities and snack time. Following is an example of our AM program:
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9:00-9:15 Free Play and Table top activities
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9:15-9:30 Circle Time- flag, calendar, weather
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9:30-10:10 Centers – math, science, cooking; - development of fine motor skills
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10:15-10:40 Snack and bathroom break
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10:40-10:55 Circle Time – Bible story, show and tell (Wed. is music class)
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10:55-11:20 Large Motor Playtime in Family Life Center
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11:20-11:30 Prepare for dismissal
Special Activities and Programs
Nature – Rosie Ranck, our Nature teacher, provides programs for children about the environment and God’s creation. About five times a year, classes are brought to a special room where animals may visit or children are invited to plant a seed or a flower. Our outdoor amphitheater also provides a lovely place for nature walks on our own grounds.
In House Field Trips – Special guest and presenters are brought in from East Brandywine Fire Department and Great Valley Nature Center.Other guests include our own church members who read to the children, as well as parents who work in the dental or medical fields, offering instruction about healthy habits
Mission Projects – opportunities are provided for children to bring in supplies and gifts for people in need. This fall ('11) , supplies are being collected by the children for an Animal Shelter in Coatesville. Also each fall, canned goods are collected and taken to the Lord's Pantry in Downingtown. In addition, HCPreschool supports Mosiac Creche (Preschool) in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Collections of school supplies or clothing are sent though Hopewell Church's Missionary in Residence, Jen Lisowskil. 1/3 of the proceeds from the Children's Everything Sale goes to support this preschool which service children who are either affected or infected with AIDS.. All of these experiences help the children understand the importance of serving and caring for others.
Parent Involvement – parents are invited in to the classroom on occasion to help with a special project or party. Through out the year, parents are cordially invited to special events where children may perform a short play or some songs. Including families in the preschool experience is an important part of our mission at HCP.
Chapel Time – once a month, children are brought into our Sanctuary to experience a short and child-friendly chapel time. One of our pastors will join the children to help lead the opening call to worship. Props, puppets and large flannel boards are used to capture and keep children’s attention and make worship a fun and lively experience.
Music – weekly classes are held for children in a large classroom just for music. A monthly Bible verse is put to music for the whole school to learn. Music includes lots of active songs where children march, jump, hop and move around. Rhythm instruments and colored bells are age-appropriate ways for children to explore new ways to make beautiful music together.
Cooking – The church kitchen is available for special cooking projects for children and teachers to try something creative (and often messy!) . Cookies, puddings and special treats are enjoyed by children and staff as children learn lessons in math and science along the way.
