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Young 5's Program
The Young Fives program is specially designed to teach skills that students need to start kindergarten. Your child will experience a fun, creative, encouraging environment while he/she learns to work independently. Kindergarten skills and behavior are emphasized, while students are given the support they need to find success. The class size is limited to 12 students, which allows for individualized instruction and one-on-one attention from our excellent teachers. The class meets Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:00pm.
Our curriculum is designed to “feel like” kindergarten and incorporates math, reading, writing, cooking, science, social studies, drama, music and movement. We also include library and gym, which mirror the “Specials” students experience in elementary school. Every week a new theme is explored and a weekly field trip is planned to enhance instruction. All themes are aligned with National Association of Educators for Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines, and supplemented with high quality children’s literature.
Our Teachers
Susan Sowder, class teacher
Ms. Susan is the founding teacher of the Fives program and a long time FUMCN parent. She has a degree in education and over 10 years of teaching and coaching experience.
Lisa Hirsch, assistant teacher (2.5x week)
Ms. Lisa is a long-time FUMCN parent and is trained as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Kristin Ball, assistant teacher (2.5x week)
Ms. Kristin is a former FUMCN parent, and is very active in her daughter's school as a room parent and frequent volunteer.
The Fives program gives your child the gift of time and self esteem. Research* shows that first grade curriculum has been “pushed down” into kindergarten programs. New and unrealistic expectations are particularly difficult for those children who may not be ready because of late summer or fall birthdays. When pressured to take on tasks before they are ready, children often suffer stress and loss of self-esteem. A child’s level of self-esteem correlates to success in school and kindergarten. The Fives program provides students with the opportunity to transition into kindergarten by mimicking the structure of an elementary school day.
A Typical Day in the 5s:
| 9:00-9:30 |
Greetings
Desk Time: Journals/daily sheets |
| 9:30-9:50 |
Circle Time: story, calendar, daily schedule, weather, jobs |
| 9:50-10:30 |
Monday and Tuesday: Centers, which include math and manipulatives, reading, handwriting, art, science or life skills
Wednesday: Field Trip
Thursday: Science or Cooking
Friday: Music and Movement or Directed Play |
| 10:30-10:50 |
Choice Time |
| 10:50-10:55 |
Clean up and wash up for snack |
| 10:55-11:10 |
Snack |
| 11:10-11:30 |
Quiet Choice/Wrap Up |
| 11:30-11:40 |
Get ready to go! |
| 11:40-12:00 |
Outside Time |
FUMCN is a co-op preschool, with parents doing specific jobs to help the Fives class run smoothly (e.g: field trip planner, snack coordinator). Parent assisting is not a requirement for the Fives program, but classroom visits are always welcome.
Tuition is $1,175 a semester ($2,350 per year). A scholarship program is available for eligible families. Please feel free to contact us for more information, or to plan a classroom visit!
Susan Sowder, teacher 734-887-8006
Susan Atkins, class representative, 734-239-2151
Download a 5's flyer here.
Click here to download an application.
For more information about our Open House and Class Visitation Day, click here!
* From Kindergarten – It Isn’t What It Used to Be by Susan K. Golant, M.A., and Michael Golant, Ph.D.
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