Preschool has officially begun in Lake Park’s Early Childhood lab, and student-teachers say it is off to a great start. This year, the class has welcomed eleven Little Lancers into the classroom – some new, some returning.
Over the past couple of months, the preschoolers have learned about various topics, such as pumpkins, fall, and farm animals. In October, Little Lancers and their teachers took a field trip to Sonny Acres Pumpkin Patch where they learned all about pumpkins, Halloween, and even farm animals.
“The field trip to Sonny Acres was a huge success! It was really cool to get to spend some time with my preschooler’s 4th period teachers and see some of the ways they like to work with him,” Bonnie Pigott (LP ‘25), a first year teacher in the preschool, said.
The first semester has been a busy time for the preschool teachers, as well. According to Ms. Lauren Zalon, director of the Lancer Preschool and curriculum leader of the department of Family and Consumer Sciences, the teaching staff has accomplished very much this year.
“From lesson planning to accommodating every student to ensure that they can come into preschool every day with a smile on their face; I can see how much energy, time, and love they put into making Lancer Preschool a positive experience for all Little Lancers,” Ms. Zalon said.
“Something that surprised me about preschool was just how much work really goes into the planning of lessons, the making of materials, the decorating of bulletin boards, and everything else in between,” Pigott said.
“All the teachers in the class work as hard as they can to make our preschool a safe, fun place to learn and play.”
As we ease into the winter months and end of the semester, teachers have been reflecting on the time they have spent in the classroom so far.
Abbie Montgomery (LP ‘25), a second year teacher in the program, expressed her enjoyment on a daily basis.
“Preschool so far has been so much fun! It is definitely my favorite part of my day. I love coming in every morning on the days we have preschool and getting to spend time with the students,” Montgomery said.
“My favorite part of the day-to-day schedule in preschool is definitely snack and free play. I love getting to see the kids get to be themselves and engage in activities that they really care about. It lets me get to know them better.”
“I think the year is off to a great start. I can tell the Little Lancers have had a lot of fun getting to know their new teachers, and they have seemed to really enjoy the lessons we have done,” Ms. Zalon said.
“It’s been great to watch the high school teachers grow and become more confident in their abilities, and to see the kids become comfortable in their setting.”
While the semester may be coming to an end, preschool will be continuing into next semester, but this time, it will be running 3rd through 5th period, rather than just 3rd and 4th.
“I can’t wait to welcome new kids into the classroom; both new Little Lancers and teachers! With us now offering the preschool fifth period, we have been able to incorporate many new teachers into the world of teaching, as well as welcome new preschoolers,” Ms. Zalon said.
“I am most excited to continue to get to know my new student, George. He just started in our classroom a few weeks ago and I have got to spend a lot of class time just getting him adjusted to his new routine,” Montgomery said.
Have any questions about preschool and/or its prerequisites? You can reach Ms. Zalon at [email protected], or can stop by room 126.
