PPNS offers Afternoon Enrichment programs from 1 – 3 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a different focus each day of the week. Enrichment is divided into three multi-week sessions, with the first session running from the second week of school until winter break, the second session running from January through the middle of March, and the third session running from the second half of March through the first week of June. Each session includes the area of study detailed below, as well as a short gross motor period, free play period, and a light snack. Currently, we offer the following schedule of themes:
Mondays for Pre-K’s focus on literacy and developing pre-reading and beginning reading skills through author studies. During the winter of 2022, the group is reading a variety of fairy tales and nursery rhymes, explore rhyming, and develop their own stories.
Tuesdays for Pre-K’s are planned to explore STEM on alternate weeks and Spanish on alternate weeks. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), encourages the children to look at everyday objects in a new way. For example, the group may read a book about bridges and then use various items (even pasta!) to create bridges. Spanish is led by our PPNS teacher who was born and grew up in Spain. This program introduces basic words and also explores various culture practices in Spanish-speaking countries of the world.
Tuesdays for Threes focuses on author studies. During the 2022 winter session, the group is reading the wide variety of literature written and illustrated by Eric Carle. We are all familiar with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but there are many fascinating books beyond the insect series.
Wednesday – At this time, we are not running a Wednesday afternoon enrichment
Thursdays for Pre-K’s alternate between art one week and developing mathematical skills the next. Art is led by one of our teachers who taught art to children in public schools for many years. Children use a variety of art materials to make their own creations. Math includes concepts such as counting, number recognition, order, and operations.
Fridays for Pre-K’s this winter center around the ocean and ocean life. Children have shared what they know and what they want to learn. A different ocean creature and characteristic of the ocean itself will be explored each week. These concepts will be taught using a variety of literature, activities, and projects intended to reinforce facts and celebrate the diverse life forms in the ocean.