Pre-K is a big deal in Arlington ISD. And for good reason.
But it’s not just because Arlington ISD is one of the only districts in Texas that offers free pre-K for all 4-year-olds. Or that it may be the only district in the country that has a STEM-based curriculum for pre-K 4.
The reason is that it is so critically important for young children starting their educational journey. Pre-K offers many benefits for little learners.
It gets children ready to learn, teaches important social and emotional skills and fosters the development of verbal skills and self-control. Pre-K students get a jump-start on reading and are usually ahead of their peers who wait until kindergarten to start school.
“Research demonstrates that high-quality preschool education can substantially increase children’s chances of succeeding in school and in life,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, Arlington ISD’s director of early childhood learning. “It helps build a strong foundation for kindergarten and sets them up for greater success in many areas of life.”
That’s exactly what Arlington ISD’s pre-K programs are designed to do. They inspire creativity and exploration in three- and four-year-olds and prepare them not only for kindergarten, but for their entire educational journey.
Here are just a few of the many benefits kids get in Arlington ISD’s pre-K.
STEM Experiences
Arlington ISD developed its own innovative pre-K curriculum based on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). It’s about hands-on explorations that inspires learning.
Play-based learning
Arlington ISD’s pre-K uses play to learn. It’s strategic play that piques little learner’s curiosity.
Kindergarten readiness
According to a study published by Raise Your Hand Texas – an advocacy group for public education in Texas – children who attend any type of preschool program were significantly more likely to be ready for kindergarten than children who had not attended preschool. High-quality pre-K programs, the study said, can lead to significant and sustained gains for young children.
Improved fine motor skills
Children also develop physical coordination and fine motor skills in pre-K. They get many opportunities to work on control of their fingers through art and hands-on activities. Arlington ISD’s pre-K also goes outside a lot for fun activities. And every school has a new age-appropriate playground!
Develop social and emotional skills
Arlington ISD’s pre-K helps children learn how to take turns, listen to others without interrupting, follow directions and express their emotions appropriately. Teachers often teach students songs that help them convey what and how they are feeling. Pre-K also helps children learn how to take care of themselves. They learn how to wash their hands, eat by themselves and even keep their personal belongings organized. They learn how to be responsible while also being respectful of others.
Long-term benefits
Studies show that students who attend pre-K are three times more likely to be proficient readers by third grade, which is essential in determining long-term success in school.
“Pre-K students have increased vocabulary, literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are more likely to be high school graduates and earn higher wages in the workforce,” said Nadia Azari, Arlington ISD early childhood instructional specialist and a former pre-K teacher.
Those are just a few of the many benefits children get in Arlington ISD’s innovative pre-K. Check back here on Thursday for another article that goes into more detail about the benefits of play-based learning in pre-K.
Learn more about Arlington ISD Pre-K and don’t forget, registration for Arlington ISD’s pre-K starts April 1.