Pre-Kindergarten (Red Barn)

In Red Barn, children learn about their world through inquiry, using a wide variety of materials. Our materials provide the medium through which children explore, test ideas, acquire information, and draw conclusions about the world around them. Through developing trust with children and a partnership with parents, Red Barn teachers lay the foundation for lifelong learning.

Through authentic experiences with materials, the outside world, and careful intentional provocations, children learn a wide range of skills related to math, language, science, and their world to get them ready for Kindergarten. These “get set for school skills” are introduced in authentic ways to continue to promote a sense of curiosity and an excitement for learning.

Red Barn is an active and engaging program rich in conversation and wonder. Through their conversation, children develop language and literacy as they articulate their ideas and listen to others. Children understand that printed words convey messages as they scribble shopping lists in the dramatic play area, hold up traffic signs in the bike lanes, or dictate stories to teachers for books they have created.

Throughout the year, we monitor cognitive, social, and emotional behavioral benchmarks, which correlate with success in Kindergarten: self-regulation, increased attention span, and peer relationships. Through long amounts of uninterrupted time, children are given opportunities to grow in these areas with teacher support and guidance.

Most importantly, Red Barn children learn about themselves. They are respected and treated as a unique individual. We also emphasize each individual’s responsibilities as a classroom community member. These social skills help contribute to your child’s growing self-confidence.