Preschool (3-4 year olds)

&

Kindergarten

Sunday Mornings:  8:30am  and  10:30am

Children age three, by September 1st of the current year and older are encouraged to participate in Religious Education classes held during Sunday morning Mass at 8:45 and 10:45. 

Although formal religious instruction is not required at this age, the program does foster “religion readiness” and is an initial positive church experience.  Consistent attendance is important for a young child’s sense of security.  Some children may experience difficulty adapting to group situations.  Consider your child and your family’s situation before making this commitment. Preschool children are encouraged, but not required, to attend  LIFE. Events.

The preschool does not meet every Sunday.  Please be sure to consult the preschool calendar below.

2008-2009 Preschool Calendar

Curriculum

Three and Four Year Olds

The preschool religious education program is designed to support parents in educating their children about Catholic faith by:

•    Developing positive attitudes about themselves, their family and friends by        discovering and learning more about the many gifts, talents, and abilities that God has provided;

•    Increasing the children’s knowledge and participation in the Church’s liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter;

•  Increasing the children’s knowledge about God and their friendship with Jesus;

• Increasing the children’s knowledge and practice of Christian actions toward others, such as taking turns, listening, helping, waiting, caring, sharing, loving and thanking others;

•  Increasing the children’s appreciation and celebration of God’s love and goodness through Scripture, music and prayer.

     The catechists use a structured curriculum that is age appropriate and includes motor skills, music, stories, finger plays, games, dramatizations, lesson related prayers, and sensory activities.  Above all, a pleasant relationship between catechist and children not only exemplifies God’s love, but also aids the children in forming patterns of social behavior and Christian attitudes toward others.

             Kindergarten

The kindergarten curriculum is divided into four units and contains twenty-four chapters.  Nineteen chapters focus on the core teachings of the Catholic church that are foundational to Catholic life.  Five chapters are devoted to Bible stories.  Finally, there are ten lessons that engage the children in the celebrations of the seasons and special days of the Church year.  For a detailed description of chapter lessons, parents are invited to visit the publisher’s website www.faithfirst.com.  Click on Catechists and Teachers, go to Scope and Sequence.  Finally, click on Kindergarten. 

For additional information, please contact Katherine Milby at 678-584-9947 ext. 22