Why We Start the Year with Connections

When a new preschool year begins, there is so much excitement about everything children will learn. We look forward to watching them grow, develop new skills, make friends, and

discover new things every day.

But we don't believe the first weeks of school should be about rushing into academics. Instead, we believe making connections is more important.

You may notice that our first themes of the year are Getting to Know You, All About Me, Friendship, and Families. These themes are intentional. They help children become comfortable in their new environment, get to know their teachers and classmates, and begin to feel that they are truly part of our classroom “family”.

Learning Begins with Feeling Comfortable

For some children, preschool may be their first experience spending a significant part of their day away from their family. Even children who have been to preschool before are adjusting to new friends, and new routines.

Before children can feel ready to explore and learn, they need to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Those first conversations about who we are, the people we love, the things we enjoy, and the things that make us unique aren't simply getting-to-know-you activities. They are helping children build relationships and develop a sense of belonging.

And once a child begins to feel that they belong, great things begin to happen — they become more willing to participate, try something new, ask questions, and explore more.

There Is So Much Learning Happening

At Explorers, we don't use worksheets. Our learning happens through play, conversation, stories, hands-on activities, art, music, movement, and everyday experiences.

That doesn't mean academics aren't happening. In truth, they are learning constantly.

When children talk about themselves, they are developing language and communication skills.

When they listen to a friend share a story, they are learning about attention and listening.

When they work together during play, they are learning cooperation and problem-solving.

When they wait for a turn, they are developing patience and self-regulation.

When they put away their belongings, they are practicing independence and responsibility.

These are important skills that will support them throughout their preschool years and beyond.

Why Friendship Matters

Friendship is another important part of our beginning-of-the-year curriculum.

Preschool is sometimes a child's first opportunity to spend time with a group of children their own age. They are learning how to enter a group, play with others, share materials, take turns, use their words, and work through disagreements.

Not every interaction will go perfectly — and that's okay.

Those everyday moments give children opportunities to practice social skills with the support of their teachers. Learning how to be a friend is a process and takes practice.

Why Families Are Part of the Beginning.

Talking about our families allows children to share the people who are important to them and helps us learn more about each child. It also gives children an opportunity to see that families may look different from one another, while all being special in their own way.

When children know that the people they love are welcomed at school, it helps create a stronger connection between home and preschool.

Building the Foundation for Everything That Comes Next

Of course, there is plenty of academic learning ahead.

Throughout the year, children will explore letters and sounds, numbers and counting, colors, shapes, books, science, art, and so much more.

But we believe that learning isn't something that begins once children are ready to sit down and focus on an academic activity.

Learning begins the moment they walk through our door.

It begins when they learn their teacher's name.

It begins when they make their first friend.

It begins when they learn to express how they feel.

It begins when they discover that they can do something independently.

It begins when they feel comfortable enough to ask a question, make a choice, or try something for the first time.

That is why our first themes of the year are so important.

Getting to Know You, All About Me, Friendship, and Families aren't taking the place of learning. They are creating the foundation for it.

At Explorers Preschool, we want children to leave each day not only having learned something new, but feeling confident, cared for, and excited to come back and explore some more.

Because before children can truly learn, they need to know that they belong.