Preschool

Mrs. Ziegler & Mrs. Jurgensen

Preschool Overview

The Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) program is designed to introduce the skills that the child will master in Kindergarten. There is an emphasis on early reading skills, early writing skills, and the development of fine motor skills. Arts and crafts, songs, music and movement, and creativity are developed as well. PreK students also enjoy French lessons three days per week through the use of visual aids and songs. The children recite a poem monthly at the morning assembly to introduce public speaking skills and develop confidence. Weekly computer lessons provide an early introduction to technology. The PreK program is an excellent preparation for Kindergarten and a necessary introduction to the classroom environment. Students are given the skills that will enable them to transition easily from the Preschool classroom to the Kindergarten classroom.

Pre-Reading
Story Time, Reading Comprehension, Hearing Sounds, Articulation, Experiencing Verbs in Present and Past Tenses, Vocabulary Development

Literature
Ask Mr. Bear, Goodnight Moon

Letters & Numbers
Language of Numbers, Counting

Music
Kindermusik with Jenny, Classroom Singing

Poetry
Little Rhymes for Little People, Nursery Rhymes, Recitations

School Readiness
Learning About Lesson Time, How to Hold a Crayon, Sharing With Others, Organizing Materials

Fine Motor Skill Development
Coloring, From Left to Right, From Top to Bottom, Cutting and Pasting

Gross Motor Skill Development
Walking Side to Side, Organized Outside Play, Walking Backwards, Balancing, Catching, Kicking a Ball, Play, Dance

Organized Games
Free Play Indoors and Out, Learning to Resolve Difficulties Without Hurting Feelings

Mrs. Ziegler

In second grade, Mrs. Ziegler had an epiphany. She wanted to be a teacher. Once that decision was made, she never looked back and has been working with children for over 13 years. Holding a BA in Sociology from UCSB as well as her Early Childhood Education Certificate from SBCC, Mrs. Ziegler came to The Howard School in 2007. “Teaching preschool is all about witnessing a child’s ‘firsts’. For example, first time away from home, first exposure to school, first recitation, etc. It is an amazing opportunity for them to experience success in a nurturing environment.”

Mrs. Ziegler’s biggest hope for her students when they graduate from preschool is that they have learned that school is fun and rewarding, thus establishing a life-long love of learning.

Some of Mrs. Ziegler’s favorite things about teaching at Howard School include the sense of community and being surrounded by people who are so invested in children. “At most preschools the relationship ends when the children go off to elementary school, but at Howard there is a unique opportunity to sustain the relationship and watch them grow,” she says.

Mrs. Jurgensen

One of Mrs. Jurgensen’s favorite things about teaching is her realization that every child has a unique gift to offer. While she loves teaching, she also treasures the idea that she is still learning from each child. Holding a BA in Sociology from UCSB, Mrs. Jurgensen has 17 years as a geriatric social worker.

“I hope my students will leave my class with a love of being read to and a general love of learning and being at school. I love getting to know each student and family, and watching the students grow and blossom throughout the year.”