Student Life

Program Components

• Daily instruction in literacy, math science, social studies, and SEL
• Academic and play-based centers to guide student exploration and learning
• Daily recess and gross-motor play
• Small group instruction and play focused on CT Early Learning and Development Standards and the CT Common Core of Teaching
• Museum experiences where students explore topics of interest 
• Rest time in pre-kindergarten
• Daily essentials classes in art, music, physical education, library/inquiry, and creative movement

A Day At The Friendship School

Morning Meeting

The whole class gathers for the daily ritual of morning meeting. This is a time focused on building relationships, SEL skills, and community. We use the Responsive Classroom approach and Second Step program to support SEL. 

Literacy

Literacy instruction includes read-aloud, shared reading, phonetic development, and decoding skills. Students progress through developmentally appropriate learning experiences while building their literacy skills. 

Fundations and Heggerty

These research based programs cover essential pre-literacy skills including letter knowledge, phonemic awareness, and phonics. These skills are essential for students to be ready for kindergarten literacy.

Math

Whole group lessons and small group centers present math concepts in a way that helps students develop number sense, one-to-one correspondence, and mathematical reasoning. We use the Bridges Math Program to guide math instruction.

Rest Time

Rest Time is an important part of our Pre-K. Students have mats and take the opportunity to rest their minds and bodies. While students do not need to sleep, they need to stay on their mat quietly so that others may sleep.