Research has found that the ability to think, reason, and problem solve is directly related to language. So children who have been exposed to language early have positive life-long outcomes. Since their early childhood experiences are connected to their intellectual development, the most important time for the brain is when children are young and growing.  

Reading exposes children to a wealth of language and vocabulary. Reading also exposes children to many different authors and how they put together words to form sentences. Children attending Flagstaff Christian Preschool develop an enjoyment for literature through some of the best children’s books available! They will experience 101 quality children’s books in the classroom. Skills will include building rich vocabulary, comprehension skills, prediction skills, recalling prior knowledge, and expanding on what they know. We also include daily letter activities, reciting poems, and acting out the stories of the week. Children will engage in activities to reinforce reading readiness skills and build phonemic awareness. 

We use the Jolly Phonics curriculum to teach the alphabet through song and games. Jolly Phonics is a synthetic phonics scheme that teaches children 42 letter sounds using a multisensory method. In order to blend words efficiently it is important to know the letter sounds fluently.  Second semester we selected Handwriting Without Tears for the children to learn letter formation. We believe in celebrating children and want them to be proud of their work. To help them succeed this curriculum focuses on a clean and clear design. It uses a simple activity workbook, wood pieces to build letters, a slate board, playdough diagrams, and a magnetic stamp board. The My First School Book activity book contains large step-by-step images of the wood pieces to show students how to make each part of every letter. The workbooks have black-and-white pages that avoid distractions and visual clutter to keep children happy and occupied.