SoundKids Pre-K Program

Pre K

SoundKids – Pre School

SoundKids is an early education program that enables preschool children to experience hands-on coastal education activities in the classroom and outdoors. SoundKids is a highly regarded program focused on providing children with core science, math and communication skills through problem solving, animal interactions, stories and crafts. Developing these critical skills helps to create a solid academic foundation for students and offers them an introduction to the coveted Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) curriculum. During six classroom sessions and one field trip to the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center, students perform hands-on experiments and activities to grow their understanding of the natural world.

ACTIVITIES

The SoundKids curriculum is an interdisciplinary collaboration between science, reading, math and art. This combination nurtures students’ creativity, academic skills and curiosity all at the same time. Each hands-on session of SoundKids focuses on:

Science: By examining and sorting shells, making brackish water, and experiencing a hands-on encounter with animals, children will use their senses to compare and contrast, and make observations and predictions.

Math: Counting, sorting and recognizing the value of numbers are important skills students need to master early on. From counting the legs on a Horseshoe Crab to sorting and counting shells, each session contains multiple math components to help increase mathematical literacy.

Art: Concentrating on the day’s theme, students will exercise their creativity by using different colors, textures and materials to craft a related project. Displayed projects then stand as a reminder to the children of the animal or concept learned that day.

Reading: Stimulating the students’ minds and imaginations through investigations of fictional stories, students are read to out loud as a group. Books focus on an animal from the local environment, a specific adaptation or a coastal habitat relative to the session.

SCHEDULE

Schedule

Each SoundKids program takes place over 6 sessions: 6 one-hour weekly sessions in the classroom and 1 two-hour field study at the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center.

Example of a one-hour classroom session:

Animal: Sea Star
• Students will examine the external anatomy by conducting up close and hands-on observations of a live sea star. They will then be able to predict form and function of the animal’s body parts by comparing and contrasting them to the human body.

Art: Create your own Sea Star
• Using the their knowledge of a sea star’s anatomy, students will create a sea star that has the correct body parts and imitates the texture of the actual animal using various materials. Students can then take their creations home with them and spread the knowledge of what they have learned that day.

Science: Shell Identification and Sorting
• Students will use their observational and mathematical skills to sort different types of shells into groups, helping them grow their understanding of patterns and relationships.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up:
• SoundWaters Educators will review sea star anatomy, Long Island Sound keywords, and end the day with a group reading of a book related to the day’s activities.

Example of the field study experience at SoundWaters Coastal Education Center:
This experience will bring the learning to life as the children carry out activities at the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center. Located in Cove Island Park, students will meet the creatures of Long Island Sound, and learn about the habitats at the park.

Animal Adaptations:
• Students will observe animals of the Long Island Sound and compare and contrast the different types of adaptations.

Coastal Habitats:
• By exploring local habitats such as the sandy beach, children will have the opportunity to use their senses to hear, smell, touch, and view living and non-living objects. Students will also use their power of observation to sort objects in their natural habitats.

PRICING

NGSS ALIGNMENT

NGSS Alignment

The SoundKids program, which is aligned with Connecticut’s pre-K through kindergarten Content Standards and Expected Performances, is designed to encourage scientific inquiry and literacy at an appropriate developmental level.

Practice 1: Asking Questions & Defining Problems

Ask questions based on observations to find more information about the natural and/or designed world(s).
Ask and/or identify questions that can be answered by an investigation.

Practice 2: Developing and Using Models

Modeling in K–2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to include using and developing models (i.e., diagram, drawing, physical replica, diorama, dramatization, or storyboard) that represent concrete events or design solutions.
Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, and/or events the model represents.
Compare models to identify common feat

Practice 3: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations

Make observations (firsthand or from media) and/or measurements to collect data that can be used to make comparisons.

Practice 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Record information (observations, thoughts, and ideas).
Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations.
Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Practice 5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Use counting and numbers to identify and describe patterns in the natural and designed world(s)

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What They’re Saying

“CLC children and staff love SoundKids! SoundWaters staff provide an amazing hands-on opportunity for children to gain a greater understanding of science and the world around them through fun, literacy rich lessons. Children learn about Long Island Sound, marine life and their habitats and how to take care of the environment.”

–Jennifer Hallissey, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Children’s Learning Center

Pre K

SoundKids – Pre School

Schedule

Pricing

NGSS Alignment

What They’re Saying

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