York Elementary Pre-kindergarten & Early Learning Center

The preschool classes of Fentress County Schools provide a curriculum for its students that is a developmentally appropriate thematic approach to learning. Children learn best when they are actively involved in learning. Interacting with objects and having real experiences is the best method of instruction. Providing these experiences for each child at his or her level of development creates excitement and success in learning. Using a thematic approach lends meaning to each component of the curriculum. By tying skills together in a related theme students better understand the usefulness and purpose of the concepts or skills learned.
An interactive learning environment allows young students to make the most of their natural curiosity of the world. Using a hands on approach gives students the opportunity to experience the concept or skill. Playing or manipulating learning materials which have been carefully planned and provided by the preschool teacher gives students an opportunity to learn while they play. Students may be seen building with blocks, pouring water, digging in the sand, solving puzzles, dressing up and pretending, reading to friends, writing letters, singing and dancing, stringing beads, or creating beautiful works of art from a variety of materials. While to the casual observer the students are playing all day, the pre-school students in Fentress County are learning skills for academic and life long success.
A literacy and language rich environment is an important part of the pre-school curriculum. Children who have had rich experiences in literature and those who have experienced positive conversations with adults develop reading and writing skills sooner than those who do not have rich literacy and language experiences. In Fentress Countys pre-school classes teachers read to students several times each day, talk with students and allow children to interact with the other students to increase their language skills. Children have access to a variety of books to enjoy and share with friends. Talking and listening are practiced and encouraged in order to develop communication skills necessary for academic success.
Progress monitoring is on going as teachers observe and work with students. Progress is reported through daily notes and a progress report four times each year. Teachers maintain a portfolio on each child to assist in progress reporting. Checklist of mastered skills and teacher observation notes are also used to document and report students progress. Parents are encouraged to interact with teachers to keep up with their childs progress on a daily/weekly basis.