Where the Wonder Begins...

Three-year-olds and Four-year-olds are building foundational skills. By the end of the year, most children should be able to:

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Social & Emotional

• Separate from parents with minimal difficulty

• Follow simple classroom routines

• Take turns and begin sharing

• Use words to express feelings and needs

• Participate in small group activities

Language & Communication

• Speak in 3–5 word sentences

• Ask and answer simple questions

• Follow 2-step directions

• Retell parts of a story with support

Early Literacy

• Recognize some letters (especially in their name)

• Recognize their first name in print

• Hold a book correctly and turn pages

• Attempt to write or trace their name

Early Math

• Count aloud to 10

• Recognize some numbers

• Sort objects by color, size, or shape

• Identify basic shapes

Fine & Gross Motor

• Hold crayons and pencils with improving control

• Cut with scissors (with assistance)

• Jump, run, and climb safely

Children preparing for kindergarten should demonstrate stronger independence and academic readiness skills. By the end of the year, most children should be able to:

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Social & Emotional

• Follow classroom rules and routines

• Work independently for short periods

• Use words to solve conflicts

• Show self-control and emotional regulation

• Demonstrate increasing responsibility

Language & Communication

• Speak in complete sentences

• Retell a story with beginning, middle, and end

• Follow multi-step directions

• Participate in class discussions

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Early Literacy (Kindergarten Readiness)

• Recognize all 26 letters

• Identify most or all letter sounds

• Write first and last name

• Write uppercase and lowercase letters

• Recognize common sight words

• Understand that print carries meaning

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Early Math

• Count to at least 20

• Identify and write numbers 0–20

• Understand one-to-one correspondence

• Compare quantities (more/less)

• Recognize and create patterns

• Identify and describe shapes

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Fine & Gross Motor

• Write letters and numbers with control

• Cut along lines

• Manage basic self-help skills (zipping, buttoning)

• Move safely and confidently in structured activities

Students who begin at Full of Wonder Preschool at age 3 and continue through age 5 will master essential early literacy and math skills, develop emotional regulation and social confidence, and gain the independence needed to excel in kindergarten.