Choosing the right VPK program and school is essential to building a child’s educational foundation. Parents here in Valrico, Florida, often have questions about what their child will be learning in Pre-K and how these lesson plans prepare them for school in the future.
When enrolling in an accredited school like Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, here is what families and children can expect from a VPK program:
What Kids Learn in VPK Programs
#1: Emergent Literacy Skills
VPK programs are responsible for giving children the tools they need to become strong readers and writers. As they learn and grow, children learn the most important literacy skills needed to prepare them for school in the future.
Several foundations of these skills include:
- Alphabet knowledge - Children will learn all the alphabet letters and the most common sounds associated with them.
- Phonological awareness - Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and work with sounds in the spoken language. Pre-K age children will learn about compound words, syllables, and rhyming.
- Pre-K sight words - Children learn to memorize the most common words found in children’s books, including “service words” (such as ‘a,’ ‘the,’ ‘and’) and other high-frequency words. This memorization makes reading easier and allows them to focus on other words while reading new material.
Great VPK programs also promote independent reading and help children develop a love for books.
#2: Vocabulary Development
Children will be exposed to new vocabulary words throughout the year, both written and spoken. Learning new words will build the foundation children need to become better speakers, readers, and writers.
#3: Mathematical Thinking Skills
Children are introduced to important mathematical thinking skills related to number sense and operations. These lessons are taught alongside other important mathematical skills, including geometry, pattern recognition, and measurement.
#4: Language and Communication Skills
Fostering a language-rich environment is important for any child in VPK. Children will have the opportunity to tell stories, ask questions, participate in discussions with their teachers and classmates, explain their ways of thinking, and much more.
#5: Social and Emotional Development
The benefits of enrolling a child in a VPK program go beyond what they might expect to learn in school. Highly-skilled teachers focus on equally important social and emotional skills throughout the year.
Children are taught how to nurture relationships with adults and their peers, learn about self-control and expression, and develop critical thinking strategies.
Humanity and compassion are also important for social and emotional development. Kids will learn how to recognize others' feelings, sympathize with those feelings, and consider needs outside of their own.
#6: Pre-K Games and Activities
Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Good teachers encourage learning through games and activities. In addition to growing their minds, these activities help develop motor skills while encouraging safe and healthy playtime. Children also participate in these games and activities to learn how to work together with their classmates.
About Kids ‘R’ Learning Academy
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy offers accredited VPK programs, after-school programs, summer programs, and more in Valrico, FL. Their thoughtful curriculums and highly-skilled teachers create an environment to help children succeed in Pre-K, kindergarten, and beyond. To start your child on the road to success, contact Kids ‘R’ Kids today by filling out a simple enrollment inquiry form.
Contact Information:
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk
5815 Kids Crossing Dr
Lithia, FL 33547
