Preparatory Level
Skill Subjects
Develop literacy and numeracy, and, when appropriate, teach reading, writing and math.
Calendar work is part of this level.
Work on fine motor skills such as painting, sculpting, coloring, using scissors and glue, lacing, etc.
Puzzles and blocks are an essential part of this level.
Sandpaper letters or a sand tray may be helpful with letter work.
Gently introduce recitations.
Math
Choose your own Program or Work on Numeracy
Math for All Seasons by Greg Tan Optional
Additional Suggestions
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Sorting Through Spring, Shaping up Summer, Counting on Fall and Sizing up Winter by Lizann Flatt
Swan Harbor: A Nature Counting Book by Laura Rankin
Round is a Mooncake and Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Thong
Poetry for the Calendar
A Child's Calendar: Poems by John Updike
(illust. by Hyman)
Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant
The Year Comes Round: HaikuThrough the Seasons by Sid Farrar
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman
For complete book lists and more guidance for the Preparatory Year, consider purchasing Foundations: The Outline Guide for Early School.
Foundations: The Outline Guide for Early School is all that you will need for Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory, since expectations are gentle and flexible for these years. Foundations will include the complete book lists for all of Early School, including books and resources needed for Year One. Teaching notes pertinent to the Early School levels as well as suggestions for natural history, art, handcrafts, and music study are also contained in this guide. This guide was written for A Mind in the Light and is targeted for ages 4-7.
Note: This guide can be used both by those who seek to follow the Curriculum by Programs path as well as the Curriculum by Years path.
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