Parents of preschoolers often ask: “What does my child actually learn in kindergarten?” or “Is there a plan according to which the kindergarten operates?” The answer is yes, and it's very specific! It's called the kindergarten core curriculum and it's set by the Ministry of National Education. In this article, we break it down into its prime factors. You'll learn what the core curriculum should include, what 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds learn, what's changed in the latest version, and why English in kindergarten is now the standard.
What does the kindergarten core curriculum include?
The core curriculum of kindergarten is: an official document defining the goals, content and educational outcomes that every kindergarten – public or private – must implement. This applies to children from 3 to 6 years of age.
The kindergarten core curriculum divides areas into four key categories:
- Physical development – i.e. movement, agility, fine and gross motor skills (yes! the fact that a child learns to cut with scissors is also very important!).
- Emotional and social development – ability to express emotions, cooperate with other children and build relationships.
- Cognitive development – i.e. exploring the world, learning logical thinking and independent problem-solving.
- Development of speech and mathematical thinking – from enriching vocabulary to learning numbers and shapes.
In addition, there are conditions and methods of implementing the kindergarten curriculum – that is, how, when and in what situations these goals are to be realized. Important: kindergarten does not “teach” like school. Here, play, experimenting and experiencing reign supreme.
In an orange clothes we approach the implementation of the core curriculum holistically, that is, with the thought of the whole child – their emotions, needs, pace of development and natural curiosity about the world. Our preschoolers learn, among others, through multisensory, or discovering and experiencing reality with all the senses: touch, hearing, sight, movement, and even taste and smell. Thanks to this, learning becomes a real adventure – children sculpt letters from modeling clay, learn to count using beads or scattered pasta, and learn about colors by experimenting with dyes in water.
Work in the field also plays a huge role. integration groups, where we teach empathy, cooperation and mutual support - regardless of individual abilities and developmental differences. It is here that children learn that everyone is important and that diversity is a value, not an obstacle.
We also do not forget about everyday situations, which are a brilliant pretext for learning. While preparing the table together, children learn to count and plan. During walks, we talk about natural phenomena, and morning circles are an opportunity to practice speaking and naming emotions. Everything happens naturally, in the rhythm of the child's day - without pressure, but with great attention to the needs of the little ones.
This form of implementing the core curriculum makes learning something enjoyable and a very natural pleasure, and children feel happy, important and competent – ready for further educational adventures.
What should a 5-year-old be able to do in kindergarten?
This question comes up especially often before kindergarten. Don't worry - no one expects a 5-year-old to write essays and multiply fractions. But according to the core curriculum, a child of this age should:
- Be able to work in a group – share, listen to others, resolve conflicts.
- Know basic mathematical concepts – count to 10, distinguish figures, compare sizes.
- Recognize and name emotions – yours and those of others.
- Develop speech and vocabulary – tell stories, ask questions, express needs.
- Be independent – dressing, eating, using the toilet.
It is worth remembering that every child develops at their own pace. That is why an individual approach is so important – something that distinguishes private kindergartens Warsaw and our Orange Train.
The latest core curriculum for kindergartens – what has changed?
If new core curriculum for kindergarten different from the previous one? Yes! Although perhaps not radically, there are significant changes.
What has changed in the latest base?
- More emphasis on emotional and social development – the pandemic and isolation have shown how important soft skills are.
- Strengthening digital competences (for teachers) – it’s not about putting children in front of a screen, but about using technology wisely in everyday work.
- Better preparation for early childhood education – including developing concentration, memory and perseverance in action.
There have also been updates to this, what does monitoring of the core curriculum look like in kindergarten? – or how teachers assess children’s progress. These are not classic tests, but careful observation and documentation of development.
What about English?
The new core curriculum includes clear provisions regarding language education. English language curriculum for kindergarten assumes that children have contact with a foreign language through play, songs and everyday communication. In bilingual kindergarten, such as the Orange Choo Choo, English is naturally present throughout the day. It is English language in kindergarten core curriculum is already considered an indispensable element of the child’s all-round development.
Summary in a nutshell
The kindergarten curriculum is not a bureaucratic monster, but a well-thought-out plan supporting the harmonious development of the child. It includes areas such as physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, and also introduces children to the world of foreign languages. Every preschooler – whether 3, 4 or 5 years old – has their place in it and goals adapted to their age. A new kindergarten curriculum supports the development of emotions, relationships and preparation for school even more. If you are looking for a place that implements the basics with passion, heart and experience - check it out adaptation classes, which will help your child enter the kindergarten world with a smile. The Orange Ciuchcia is not only a kindergarten - it is the locomotive of education, which takes children on the best journey of their lives.
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