In Prekindergarten, Gillispie’s students are encouraged to explore deeply, ask questions, and reflect on their own learning and actions. Children at this level love to soak up knowledge and the aha! moments are frequent and wonderful. Self-esteem is nourished through greater responsibility and ample opportunity to make choices. Children work in flexible groupings, and teachers continue to carefully observe, question, and listen. Significant areas of the classroom are set up as learning stations that may become post offices, restaurants, or other real-life places that extend learning. Each prekindergarten class completes an in-depth social studies/science project. Three programs are in place to ensure a smooth transition into elementary school: Handwriting Without Tears, Everyday Mathematics, and Second Step.
