PPNS offers Afternoon Enrichment programs from 1 – 3 pm, Monday through 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. Currently, we offer the following schedule of themes:
Mondays focus on studying artists and art techniques and is open to from our morning three-year-old and Pre-K classes. Students learn about famous artists’ techniques and then create their own masterpieces. This class also includes a light snack, free play, and playground time.
Tuesdays focus on literacy and developing pre-reading and beginning reading skills through author studies. Three-year-olds meet for the first hour of the session with one instructor and read books and participate in activities that are appropriate for their age group. The Pre-K students work at rotating stations that focus on letter and word recognition as well as early writing skills. The two age groups join for the last part of the afternoon to enjoy snack and a short free-play period, either indoors or on the playground.
Wednesdays are devoted to exploring the wonderful world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), which 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. Reflection on the experimental process is also key to this session. Students will have a light snack, and time for free play as well as gross-motor exercise. Wednesday classes include both three-year-old and Pre-K students.
Thursdays concentrate on developing mathematical skills, such as counting, number recognition, order, and operations. Books are presented that feature mathematical concepts as part of their stories, followed by rotating table work that reinforces the concepts. Threes and Pre-K students are welcome in this group. As on Tuesdays, the threes will work with their own teacher for the first part of the afternoon and join the Pre-K children for a light snack and free play.
Fridays are planned to introduce Spanish to our youngsters. New words are learned each week through songs, games, and other activities. There is also time to learn about Spanish and Mexican holidays and traditions. For example, the group learned about Day of the Dead through books, art activities, a special snack, and face painting. We have threes and Pre-K students together for this enrichment program.