At Owl Hill Learning Academy, we are committed to fostering a love of learning among our students. We balance structured learning with play-based activities that support overall child development.
OHLA is proud to use the Starfall Curriculum which is well-rounded, research-based, and aligned with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood.
Why do States Have Standards for Preschool Education?
States establish standards for preschool education to ensure that all young children receive a high-quality early learning experience that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond. Standards in education:
- Promote School Readiness – Ensure children develop essential skills in language, math, social-emotional development, and motor skills.
- Ensure Consistency and Quality – Provide a framework for educators to follow, reducing disparities in early education across different regions and programs.
- Support Educators – Guide teachers in designing developmentally appropriate activities and assessing children’s progress.
- Align with K-12 Education – Create a seamless transition from preschool to elementary school by aligning expectations with later learning standards.
- Encourage Equity – Help bridge gaps in learning opportunities, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Guide Curriculum Development – Assist preschools in selecting and implementing research-based teaching methods.
- Monitor and Improve Programs – Provide benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness of early childhood education programs.
PA Learning Standards for Early Childhood
The Pennsylvania Standards for Early Childhood Pre-K ensure that children receive a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. The Pennsylvania Department of Education identifies 8 key learning areas and a variety of sub-categories within each:
- Learning Through Play
- Constructing and Gathering Knowledge
- Organizing and Understanding Information
- Applying Knowledge
- Learning through Experience
Play time happens throughout the day at Owl Learning Academy. There’s no doubt the students love it! Play time allows them to engage and dive deeper into foundational skills within each curriculum unit utilizing hands-on experiences. In each instance, they build on previous play experiences and take with them new-found knowledge.
- Social and Emotional Development
- Self-Awareness and Self-Management
- Establishing and Maintaining Relationships
- Decision-Making and Responsible Behavior
Communication skills, coping strategies, and interpersonal relationships are an integral part of our curriculum. Working on these skills improves behaviors and often prevents challenging ones. Pennsylvania’s guidelines call on early childhood curriculums to help children develop positive feelings about themselves and to express and manage their emotions.
- Language and Literacy Development
- Foundational Skills
- Reading Informational Text
- Reading Literature
- Writing
- Speaking and Listening
Stories, songs, and books. They all play an important role in the development of language and literacy skills. With word play activities and books that are rich in sounds and rhythms, we nurture the keys to language and literacy development.
- Mathematical Thinking and Expression
- Numbers and Operations
- Algebraic Concepts
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Data
- Probability
Algebra and geometry? It’s amazing what mathematical concepts are being developed through preschool activities, games, and lessons! When children handle, sort, and build with small objects (also called manipulatives), their brains are developing hands-on strategies for problem-solving, exploration, and experimentation. They can add to piles, take away from them, and sort into patterns. They can make long chains, short chains, and group by shape. And while they’re busy doing these things, their minds are being primed for learning.
- Scientific Thinking and Technology
- Life Science
- Physical Science
- Earth and Space Science
- Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
- Technology and Engineering
Curiosity is at the heart of a child’s learning journey. As educators, we recognize that we have a window of opportunity to nurture their curiosity so that it blossoms into life-long learning. From leaf sorting to butterflies, from computers to recycling, we make sure their time is filled with engaging activities. Using the scientific method as our guide, we encourage them to ask questions, observe, experiment, and draw conclusions (on repeat!).
- Social Studies Thinking
- Civics and Government – Principles and Documents of Government
- Civics and Government – Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
- Economics – Scarcity and Choice
- Economics – Functions of Government
- Economics – Income, Profit, and Wealth
- Geography – Basic Geographic Literacy
- Geography – Physical Characteristics of
- Places and Regions
- History – Historical Analysis and Skills
- Development
The Starfall Curriculum for Social Studies aligns with the PA State guidelines through a variety of lessons and activities. At the heart of our Social Studies Thinking lessons is connection–the connection we have with our families, friends, and classmates. As children gain an understanding of themselves in relation to other groups, they develop an understanding of different communities and the larger world. Lessons about our country, community workers, responsible citizenship, safety, and money help our students understand the workings of communities and their role as neighbors, consumers, and citizens.
- Creative Thinking and Expression
- Production and Performance – Music and Movement
- Production and Performance – Dramatic and Performance Play
- Production and Performance – Visual Arts
- Historical and Cultural Context of Works in the Arts
- Critical Response to Works in the Arts
- Aesthetic Response to Works in the Arts
Imaginations come alive in our arts activities. Music, movement, dance, and art are presented through a variety of media and materials. We look to the seasons, holidays, and different cultures to discover forms art expression within our classroom and from around the globe. Our students learn to appreciate differences in culture and viewpoint.
- Health, Wellness, and Physical Development
- Concepts of Health
- Healthful Living
- Safety and Injury Prevention
- Physical Activity – Gross Motor Coordination
- Concepts, Principles, and Strategies of Movement – Fine Motor Coordination
Pre-school is the perfect time to begin learning about healthy living and the importance of physical activity. We start with a good foundation that focuses on our bodies–the parts and what keeps them healthy. We talk about being sick and the proper use of medicine. We practice good hygiene routines and provide activities that reinforce the importance of eating well, exercising, and resting.
OHLA Classrooms Inspire Learning
See our preschool curriculum up close! We put a lot of thought, care, and intention into creating an environment where discoveries are made and imaginations are ignited. We would love to give you a tour of Owl Hill Learning Academy and show you the learning environment that nurtures our students. Call us today!