PRE-k
An Independent school for independent minds
At Rising Star Academy we focus on the learning development of each individual child. At the Preschool level, they are transitioning from an independent and ego stage to a more self-aware and coherent stage, which is why we are using developmentally appropriate Frog Street curriculum.
This curriculum is adopted by KATY ISD in their Pre-Kindergarten program, as well as in 316 school districts in Texas; the same curriculum in our preschool program will establish a base for the students for their ongoing academic education. Our teachers utilize activities to enhance the curriculum to increase the children’s brain functions, cognitive development, social and emotional development, and their Language and Literacy development. Through the curriculum and enhancements, children will be able to recognize their numbers, letters, sounds, and work on writing sight words.
Kindergarten Readiness
Our teachers encourage individual independence and the mastery of skills which ensure a smooth transition into kindergarten. Activities and lesson plans are customized for each student, based on each child’s needs. Students learn to write their names, solve simple addition and subtraction problems, develop social and emotional skills, and are able to retell a story from beginning to end.
Social & Emotional Development
Social and emotional development is an integral aspect of a child’s overall growth. Our teachers are well versed in this area can, so they can contribute to the holistic development of students, addressing not only academic needs but also emotional and social well-being. They can create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, preventing and addressing behavioral issues in a constructive manner. Social and emotional development in preschool lays the groundwork for a well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept individual. Social and emotional development ensures that children enter kindergarten with the foundational skills needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Language Arts & Literacy
At this stage, children can express themselves with ease, which is why we encourage children to carry on conversations with their teachers and peers. Open-ended questions are a very important aspect of our days in the classroom. Our curriculum is tailored to help children learn to read, write small words, and develop sentences. By the end of the school year, the children will know how to make use of context for predictions, have a basic sight-reading vocabulary of functional words, will know the relationship between most sounds and letters, and will read slowly, repeating words and phrases.
Science/STEAM
We teach our Pre-K students the basics of science, by engaging in STEM activities that educate them on the human body, the earth, outer space, animals, and many other aspects of science. We increase the complexity of experiments by a notch in our science room. All aspects of science teaching are advanced. Our teachers encourage students to think more while doing experiments, we engage them more, and take them as far as their minds allow!
Technology
While it may seem so, it is not difficult to teach the basics of technology to Pre-K students by asking them to build structures, small trucks, or toys using basic blocks. We can show them a prism-like toy which shows rainbow colors when exposed to sunlight, making students wonder why there are so many colors coming out of this toy. These types of experiments with toys keep students interested in learning about technology.
Art
There’s so much learning that takes place as a child creates art. Not only do children develop eye-hand coordination, but their brain connects to their visual and motor development in ways that help children master real life skills. Art develops our imaginations and helps us discover new ways to process information. The problem solving, critical thinking, planning and adaptation inherent in art making is much more complex than most people realize. The myriad of art materials, and recycled objects that are used in art provide new and different learning as they introduce new problems to solve and new challenges to creative thinking.
Mathematics
Math is a very important part of building a child’s educational foundation, we teach our children the basics of math, such as counting numbers and adding or subtracting them up through play. Each child learns at their own pace, some learn faster and some are slower, we work harder with children who may be slow to catch these concepts. We teach them with compassion and patience so that all can learn and be kindergarten ready when they graduate from our advanced PreK program.
Physical & Motor Development
At this stage, children have more self-control and are able to focus their energy on learning and exploring. This period of early childhood is marked by rapid growth and development, and fostering physical skills lays the foundation for a child’s overall well-being and future success. Physical and motor development is a foundational aspect of early childhood education. It not only contributes to a child’s physical well-being but also supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. Creating an environment that encourages active play and the development of motor skills sets the stage for a positive and holistic early learning experience.
