2022-23 Preschool Viewbook

Preschool at Greenhill

Good morning and welcome

Preschool students settle down on the rug for a morning meeting where the teachers create an inviting space for children to focus and start their day. Students greet their friends and teachers, share news, preview the day’s schedule, and think about an essential question to ground their learning for the day.

Learning centers

Learning centers are areas of the classroom devoted to particular interests or skills. Students work in small groups which include activities like solving problems with math manipulatives, listening and reading, building, playing with sand and water, and studying science. Like every part of the day, learning is a balance of exploratory play and guided instruction.

Individual instruction in reading and writing

Teachers work with students to teach foundational skills. Prekindergarteners learn letter sounds with engaging activities, like making pizza in the kitchen when learning the letter P. In kindergarten, students practice “pinching out” the word sounds, building their word recognition and reading skills. Using fine motor skills developed during center time, they also start telling their own stories during writers’ workshop.

Kindergarten: Deeper and Bigger

Kindergarteners are ready for MORE! Students develop collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they engage in meaningful, elaborate play. Additionally, teachers craft more in-depth projects, strengthen reading and writing skills, and expand students’ study of math and science. At the end of the year, our kindergarteners have built on their love of learning and are ready for the next step in their educational journey!

MAKES

SPECIAL

“We educate the whole child by designing thoughtful learning experiences for children that promote their academic, physical, and emotional growth. Our teachers develop meaningful connections with our children in order to help cultivate a sense of community, foster their curiosities, and challenge them.”

RHEMA STRADFORD-DAI HEAD OF PRESCHOOL

Morning snack time

The school provides a healthy snack for the whole class every day.

WHAT MAKES GREENHILL PRESCHOOL FUN

“For one, our physical space is amazing. From the overhead doors that open outside, to the indoor playground, to our very own teaching kitchen, every inch of our Preschool inspires students to develop ideas and bring them to fruition. We even have a dedicated makerspace where students use science and engineering skills to build their own creations. It’s the perfect place to be a young learner and explorer!”

RHEMA STRADFORD-DAI , HEAD OF PRESCHOOL

Outdoor play time

Playing outdoors is important because it builds social skills and allows for the natural expression of imagination. Our playground has a “big toy” for climbing, a water table, tricycles, a sound garden composed of five outdoor musical instruments, and room to run.

Lunch time

Preschoolers eat lunch in the dining hall with their teachers, just like the big kids! The meal plan includes a delicious, nutritious meal to fuel them for the afternoon. The specially designed lunchroom includes tables and chairs that are just their size!

Spotlight on the Nutcracker

Greenhill kindergarteners have performed a version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker since 1951, and it is one of the highlights of the year. The iconic ballet forms the basis of an entire unit of study for the students:

· Identify the composers in music

· Learn how a nutcracker works in science

· Build nutcrackers from geometric shapes in math

· Read different versions of the story in reading

· Design very own nutcracker in art

· Form relationships with the Upper School students who play the music during the performance

Time for physical education

Every day, the children head to the gym or the Adventure Room, where they run, swing, jump, twirl, and learn to love being active. Studies show that children on the move improve their fine motor skills, attentiveness, and creativity.

Project-based learning

Each classroom tackles projects that include art, science, reading, writing, math, social-emotional, and cultural learning components. The best part is that children always have a say in what they learn. Past projects for prekindergarteners include Change Makers in our World, Occupations, and a Family Heritage Feast. Past projects for kindergarteners include color and light, and earth, dirt, and rocks, among others.

Co-curricular classes

Children receive specialized instruction in music, library, Spanish, and art within our rotational schedule. In art classes, students make connections between art, engineering, and science while having fun.

WHAT MAKES GREENHILL PRESCHOOL WORTHWHILE

MARCUS INGRAM, PH.D. HEAD OF EQUITY & INCLUSION

“In a community as diverse as Greenhill, our Preschool students celebrate their identities, gifts, and graces alongside those of their classmates.”

Primer: A Gift of Time

A bridge year between kindergarten and first grade, Primer gives select students the gift of time to grow socially and emotionally before entering first grade. It’s a meaningful year of hands-on, individualized classroom learning, plus a whole lot of fun.

Closing circle

At the end of the day, students reflect on the day’s activities then gather backpacks, supplies, and today’s projects to share with family at home.

WHAT MAKES GREENHILL PRESCHOOL A GOOD FIT

“Greenhill preschoolers are confident and empowered to ask “why.” Our talented teachers provide learning experiences that offer fundamental academic skills and invite children into opportunities to problem solve, explore, and play! Our Greenhill core principles thread through everything we do, including our community service and cultural awareness events. Our program immerses children in joy where learning blossoms into a positive and lifelong intention.”

RHEMA STRADFORD-DAI , HEAD OF PRESCHOOL

We invite you to visit us, check out our classrooms, listen in, and ask questions. It’s the best way to decide if Greenhill is the right fit for your family.

For more information, visit our website, www.greenhill.org, call the Admission Office at (972) 628-5910, or email admission@greenhill.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Let’s get to know each other!

It is the policy of Greenhill School to administer its educational programs, including admission and financial aid, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, or disability.