Curriculum
At Herndon United Methodist Preschool, we believe that young children learn best through play. Our curriculum is centered around a play-based learning approach, where children engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that promote their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
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What Is Play-Based Learning?
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Play-based learning combines child-led exploration with intentional teaching. While children are encouraged to follow their interests and imagination during play, educators provide guidance, structure, and rich learning opportunities through carefully designed environments and activities.
This approach helps children:
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Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Strengthen language and communication abilities
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Practice cooperation, empathy, and emotional regulation
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Explore early math, science, and literacy concepts in a natural way
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Build confidence, creativity, and independence
How It Works in the Classroom
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Each day, children have access to a variety of learning centers, both indoors and outdoors, including:
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Dramatic play
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Blocks and construction
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Art and sensory exploration
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Literacy and storytelling areas
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Music and movement
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Nature and science investigation
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Our educators observe and interact with children during play, using open-ended questions and gentle guidance to extend their thinking and deepen their understanding. Activities are thoughtfully planned around themes and skills aligned with early childhood development benchmarks.
Why Play Matters
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Play is the natural way children make sense of the world. When they pretend, build, explore, and create, they are:
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Practicing real-world skills
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Making decisions and solving problems
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Expressing themselves and their emotions
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Building foundational academic knowledge in meaningful ways
Through play, your child becomes an active learner—curious, capable, and confident. In addition to planning for play-based learning experiences we weave the following research based curriculum supports into our daily routines:
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Handwriting Without Tears is a developmentally appropriate handwriting program designed to help preschool children build foundational writing skills through fun, multisensory activities. The program emphasizes correct pencil grip, letter formation, and pre-writing skills using hands-on tools. HWT focuses on teaching capital letters first, which are easier for young learners, and gradually introduces writing through structured play and simple, consistent strategies. The goal is to make handwriting joyful and accessible while supporting fine motor development and classroom readiness.
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Conscious Discipline is a social-emotional learning program that helps preschool children develop self-regulation, problem-solving, and healthy relationships in a safe, supportive environment. Conscious Discipline teaches children how to identify emotions, express them appropriately, and resolve conflicts. Through daily routines, modeling, and classroom practices children learn empathy, cooperation, and responsibility. Conscious Discipline also fosters a strong school family culture, encouraging connection between teachers, children, and parents to create a nurturing foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being.
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The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a developmental screening tool used to monitor a child’s growth in key areas such as communication, motor skills, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Completed by parents or caregivers, the ASQ provides a quick and accurate snapshot of a child’s progress and helps identify any areas that may need extra support. It is a valuable way for parents and teachers to work together in supporting development.
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