Our curriculum goals support individualized learning; encouraging exploration, experimentation, and discovery. We use the Houghton Mifflin curriculum, which is also used by the Newport Mesa School District and many private schools, for language arts, reading and math. Our goal is to have your child walk into their Kindergarten classroom the very first day and already be familiar and comfortable with the instruction and materials they will encounter. Materials and activities appropriate to the child’s age and stage of development are continuously introduced to support the children as they construct their own knowledge in an atmosphere of fun-filled discovery.
Our learning objectives are based on the State of California Developmental Profile Standards and on the Criteria and Standards supported by the National Association for the Education for Young Children. Our curriculum covers the following:
Science
We provide varied opportunities and materials to help children learn key content and principles of science as they engage in hands-on activities.
Mathematics
Through exposure to activities like block play, the calendar, graphing, and board games, the children develop mathematical skills in areas like measurement, seriation, adding, subtracting, and graphing.
Language and Literacy
We support elementary literacy skills by introducing Houghton Mifflin reading materials.
Music/Movement
With our music teacher and in the classrooms, children use memory skills and auditory discrimination (necessary for reading), while experiencing the principles of music.
Creative Development
We provide opportunities and materials which may at times be “messy,” but we believe that while paint and mud wash off, creativity sticks. There is daily access to a wide variety of materials that allow children’s imaginations to soar.
Personal and Social Competencies
A critical area of development for kindergarten readiness is social and emotional development. We help children become increasingly aware of their physical characteristics, recognizing their skills and accomplishments while increasing independence in personal care and self-help skills.
Gross Motor Development
Our large outdoor environment allows for activities that help children develop their large muscles and become more proficient in their use of motor skills.
Fine Motor Development
As developmentally appropriate, we introduce materials from the “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum to support pre-printing and printing in a fun, stress-free, no-fail environment.
Enrichment Opportunities
Newport Center United Methodist Preschool offers a variety of enrichment opportunities for present students as well as future students.
My Morning at Preschool
Open to children 1 year to 2.5 years, My Morning at Preschool is a parent/child participation experience. Join us for reading, singing, art projects with other moms and tots. This class is presented in twelve-week sessions and is open to the community. Please contact Skyler Dickinson at skyler.dickinson@newportcenterumc.org for program schedule and availability.
Early Birds Program
The Early Bird program is designed for your child(ren) to be dropped off at Preschool anytime between 7:45AM and 9:00AM on their school day. Children will be escorted to their classroom at 9:00 by the NCUMP Staff. During Early Birds, your child will be allowed to explore learning centers similar to in their classroom as well as have extra small group time with the Early Bird teacher.
Chefs 2B
Cooking is a skill that lasts a lifetime! Cooking requires children to use traditional school skills like math, science, and reading as they engage in meaningful, hands-on activities. By bringing in quality children’s literature, extending the lessons with art projects, and concluding each lesson with a group writing activity, we make each recipe an all-inclusive academic experience. Our recipes are drawn from many cultures and the curriculum is carefully planned to expose children to a variety of healthy ingredients. Over the course of each session, children will have an opportunity to cook breakfast, soup, snacks, main courses and desserts. At the end of each session, the children will receive a cookbook containing the recipes used in class. This class is open to all enrolled children in a ten-week format.
Si Se Puede!
Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multi-task. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility. Our 10 week Spanish class immerses students in the Spanish language through games, stories and crafts. Our small group classes create a comfortable and highly participatory atmosphere where teachers plant a seed of knowledge that will inspire curiosity and encourage students to pursue learning Spanish for years to come.
Art Through The Ages
Each week we will explore a different artist’s history, style, and technique. Children will work on their developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as we use different mediums to create their own art masterpiece. Every class aims to foster your child’s creativity, self-expression, and love of art.
ABC’s of Science, 1 2 3’s Of Math
Preschool children are naturally curious. This natural curiosity makes this the perfect time to help them create an understanding of some core concepts of the scientific process in a fun, child-friendly atmosphere. The children are inspired to love and enjoy learning as they discover the wonders of this world. A science notebook will be sent home after each session detailing our experiments as well as sharing our recipes for the fun, engaging activities the children have experienced. Join us as we turn “why” into “wow!” This class is open to all enrolled children in a ten-week format.