Preschool

The Regan Tinker Lab serves as a maker’s space for our youngest learners to problem solve, innovate, wonder, and tinker with various materials and the world around them. The lab supports our METALS curriculum, and will include discovery activities in the disciplines of Math, Engineering, Technology, Art, Logic, and Science. Each week, boys in grades PK3-3rd grades are presented with tasks or challenges to complete in the lab that are directly connected to current themes and curricula. The lab is equipped with child-sized tools, nails, screws, bolts, pegs, and more. Additionally, the lab houses amenities that include a drafting table, magnetic wall, light discovery table, a cozy think-tank space, art supplies and media, and a Lego wall just to name a few.

The main goals of Preschool Religion are to teach the boys about the great love that Jesus has for them, and that each of them has been uniquely created by God. We do this through telling and acting out Gospel stories, playing fun games that teach meaningful lessons, and providing many related “attention getters” to keep engagement high. We aim to concretize their experience of God as much as possible. Young children have a special connection with the natural world, and we allow them the freedom to explore and wonder about it. Finally, we incorporate guided meditation where the boys encounter Jesus in their everyday lives, in hope that they will build a personal friendship with Him.

Preschool physical education concentrates on developing gross motor skills, rhythm, and coordination through such activities as running, jumping, skipping, hopping, and sliding. Fundamental movement patterns such as throwing and catching, dribbling, catching and fleeing, and striking are developed. Attention is given to providing the maximum amount of movement per class period. Music is often used as a motivational technique. A variety of activities is offered, and all students are included in every activity.

The Music program offers a variety of opportunities to suit the talent and abilities of students of all ages. Our Preschool students learn the foundations of music from their first day of class with singing and clapping games, as well as an introduction to the various families that make up the orchestra. Students can recognize instruments by sight and sound, as well as understanding which family they come from. Throughout the entire music curriculum, students continue to sing and perform for special programs.

Library classes begin with PK3 and continue through our boys' time here at Stuart Hall. The boys begin to check out books in PK4. There is a curriculum of library skills that begins in PK3 with basic parts of a book, care of books and information about who an author and illustrator are. Visiting authors on campus bring the book writing process to life for the students. Beginning in Kindergarten, the boys are introduced to various sources of information and begin to determine how each resource is best used. The curriculum includes a portion of library class when the boys are read aloud to throughout their time at Stuart Hall.

Visual art education classes in PK4 and Kindergarten encourages student discovery, exploration, and experimentation through an introduction of developmentally appropriate artistic fundamentals, artists, and art experiences. Lessons are intended to guide children in developing their cognitive, social, and motor abilities. Various types of media and techniques are explored in class, such as clay, paint, papier maché, pastels, drawing, and printmaking. Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to express themselves and to appreciate their own uniqueness.

Life Skills are taught PK4-7th Grade using the Second Step Program. The program has four core areas: empathy training, impulse control, anger management, and problem solving. The school counselor works closely with the parents, teachers and administrators to assist all students to progress and prosper.

The Preschool uses technology in various ways to enhance our curriculum. Computers and iPads can be found in every classroom. In the Preschool, iPads are used as a listening center where boys can hear stories read aloud and practice tracking words. There are also data projectors and smart boards in every classroom Kindergarten through Seventh Grade. The boys attend a formal computer class beginning in Kindergarten.

The world languages program is designed to foster a love of the French language and an appreciation of the French culture and Francophone world. Students take classes twice a week, for 25 minutes. The goals of the French program in preschool are to expose the children to another language and culture and to increase their awareness and respect for cultural diversity. An emphasis is put on New Orleans’s French past and the widespread presence of French in the city to help the students make connections with their lifestyle (Fleur de Lys, la boulangerie bakery, Café du Monde, etc).