Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Activity time each day in the Denair Elementary State Preschool is a choreographed frenzy of exploration, excitement and energy among two dozen 3- and 4-year-olds and a team of skilled educators. To the untrained eye, it may seem slightly chaotic, but rest assured – learning is happening at a rapid rate.

In one corner of the classroom, the focus is on science. There is a small fish tank and another for a lizard. There are rocks and shells and blocks to hold and count. There is a magnifying glass, a small weight scale and an array of colorful objects. Youngsters use a small water tank to test what floats and what sinks.

Across the room, there is more introductory science and math. Giggling children in mini-lab coats and goggles find out what happens when vinegar is mixed with baking soda, use oversized tweezers to count how many seeds are in a pumpkin or eagerly work a magnet to see whether metal or plastic items are affected by it.

Nearby, students wearing smocks paint their names or discover what colors are created when others are mixed. Their previous artwork hangs proudly on the wall.

There are multiple computers with programs in English and Spanish. There is an area set aside for reading, and blocks and toys and pencils and paper available around the room.

It is a vibrant place, with plenty of visual, verbal and sensory stimulation. No doubt, it’s a fun way for a preschooler to spend three hours a day.

Site supervisor Mary Worman and Lenora Gomes share teaching duties for the two classes – one from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. and the other from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Para-professionals Shirley Corriea, Erica Prock, Cassie Talaga and Sandra Wynne patiently help with lessons and individual instruction. The staff spends plenty of their time on their knees or sitting on the floor to get to eye level with their students. Continue reading “Stimulating Lessons Popular at Denair Elementary State Preschool” »