PreK 1 Program Overview

Teacher-Student Ratio 1:6 (max)

Class Size: 18 Students (max)

Curriculum: The Water Dragon Curriculum occurs in an 80% Mandarin immersion environment. The students have core curricular classes and specialty classes each week, along with 2 hours of meal & playtime.

The curriculum also includes ongoing enrichment, a hallmark feature of our elementary program.

Language Ratio: Mandarin 80%, English 10%, Spanish 10%

Learn more about Water Dragon Teachers

Sample Schedule

Students in the Panda Classroom are formally assessed 3 times a year on a developmental scale. These robust benchmarks measure everything from expressive speech to gross motor development.

  • Weekly Park Excursions

  • Strong Focus on Art

  • Mindfulness Practice

  • Practicing Characters in Unconventional Ways

  • Playing in the IFS Forest

  • Differentiated Instruction

  • Making Learning Relevant

  • Weekly Baking

  • Sensory Play

  • Weekly Biking

  • Working in the IFS Garden

  • Hands on Math Practice

  • Drawing + Story-Telling

  • Exploring Quaker Values

  • Perspectives in Math

  • Global Village Celebration

  • Journaling is Storytelling

PreK 1 Learning at IFS

Welcome to our PreK 1 program, where we embrace the Reggio Emilia approach, focusing on self-directed exploration and discovery. Our nurturing environment sparks creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through hands-on learning and open-ended play.

Personalized Development - Executive Functioning

Through Differentiated Executive Functioning Tasks, we support each child's unique development. Our educators tailor activities to build essential skills such as attention, memory, flexibility, and self-control, empowering our young learners to thrive. Students become faster at problem solving and understanding that there are often multiple pathways towards finding answers.

Outdoor Play, Rain or Shine

We believe in the importance of outdoor play every day. Our spacious play areas feature age-appropriate equipment and sensory gardens, allowing children to develop gross motor skills, build resilience, and learn from diverse sensory experiences. Our spacious play areas and weekly trips to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens let children connect with nature and explore the world around them.

Independence and Self-Confidence

Our teachers guide and support children as they take on challenges, make choices, and take ownership of their learning, fostering autonomy and a lifelong love of learning. Our PreK 1 classroom is a joyful place for young learners.

Social-Emotional Growth

We model and encourage kindness, empathy, and effective communication. Through cooperative play and guided discussions, children learn to express feelings, resolve conflicts, and build lasting friendships in a safe and inclusive environment, nurturing essential skills for success in school and beyond.

Core Subjects

  • Curriculum Resources:

    In the PreK1 Class, students begin to recognize and read around 30.

    The teacher will bring in comprehensive vocabulary based on the emergent curriculum.

    Students who are already Mandarin proficient receive extra support in English.

  • Our PreK1 Mathematics program is a robust exploration into both Executive Functioning Skills and early math skill practice.

    Basic Standards:

    1. Number Recognition and Counting

      • Recognize and name numbers 0-10

      • Count objects up to 10 reliably

    2. Basic Shapes

      • Identify and name basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)

    3. Sorting and Classifying

      • Sort objects by one attribute (color, size, or shape)

    4. Patterns

      • Recognize and continue simple patterns (AB patterns)

    5. Measurement

      • Compare objects using terms like bigger/smaller, longer/shorter

    6. Positional Words

      • Understand and use words like above, below, next to, behind

    Advanced Standards:

    1. Extended Number Sense

      • Recognize and name numbers up to 20

      • Count objects up to 20 reliably

      • Understand the concept of zero

    2. Introduction to Addition and Subtraction

      • Add and subtract within 5 using concrete objects

    3. Advanced Shapes

      • Identify and name more complex shapes (oval, diamond, hexagon)

      • Combine shapes to form new shapes

    4. Advanced Patterns

      • Create and extend more complex patterns (ABC, AAB patterns)

    5. Measurement and Comparison

      • Use non-standard units to measure length (e.g., paper clips, cubes)

      • Compare and order objects by weight or capacity

    6. Data and Graphing

      • Collect and represent simple data using objects or pictures

    7. Time Concepts

      • Understand basic time concepts (morning, afternoon, night)

      • Recognize that clocks and calendars measure time

    8. Problem Solving

      • Solve simple word problems using objects or drawings

    9. Early Fraction Concepts

      • Understand basic concepts of "whole" and "half" using concrete objects

  • Project Based Learning has profound influence on a child's genuine interest in learning. Some of the main benefits are described below.

    • Engagement and Motivation

      • Increases student interest and enthusiasm for learning

      • Makes learning more meaningful and relevant to real-life experiences

    • Develops Critical Thinking Skills

      • Encourages problem-solving and decision-making

      • Promotes analytical thinking from an early age

    • Enhances Creativity

      • Allows children to explore and express ideas in various ways

      • Fosters innovative thinking and imagination

    • Improves Communication Skills

      • Provides opportunities for verbal expression and listening

      • Encourages sharing ideas and collaborating with peers

    • Builds Teamwork and Social Skills

      • Teaches cooperation and conflict resolution

      • Develops empathy and respect for others' ideas

    • Promotes Self-Directed Learning

      • Encourages children to take initiative in their learning

      • Builds confidence and independence

    • Integrates Multiple Subjects

      • Combines different areas of learning (e.g., math, science, art) in meaningful ways

      • Helps children see connections between different concepts

    • Develops Fine and Gross Motor Skills

      • Involves hands-on activities that improve physical coordination

      • Enhances skills like cutting, drawing, and constructing

    • Fosters Emotional Intelligence

      • Helps children manage frustration and celebrate achievements

      • Builds resilience and perseverance

    • Encourages Family Involvement

      • Creates opportunities for parents to engage in their child's learning

      • Strengthens school-home connections

    • Letter Recognition

      • Recognize and name most uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet

    • Letter-Sound Correspondence

      • Begin to associate letters with their most common sounds

      • Identify the beginning sound of familiar words

    • Print Awareness

      • Understand that print carries meaning

      • Recognize that English text is read from left to right and top to bottom

    • Parts of a Book

      • Identify the front cover, back cover, and title page of a book

      • Understand the roles of author and illustrator

    • Book Handling

      • Hold a book correctly and turn pages from front to back

    • Concepts of Print

      • Recognize that words are separated by spaces

      • Understand that sentences start with a capital letter and end with a period

    • Phonological Awareness

      • Recognize and produce rhyming words

      • Segment spoken words into syllables

    • Vocabulary Development

      • Use and understand new words learned from conversations and books

      • Begin to use descriptive words in speech

    • Comprehension

      • Answer simple questions about a story that has been read aloud

      • Retell familiar stories using beginning, middle, and end

    • Writing

      • Write some letters of the alphabet, especially those in their name

      • Use drawings, dictation, and early writing to express ideas

    • Listening and Speaking

      • Follow simple, multi-step directions

      • Participate in conversations and share ideas

    • Story Elements

      • Identify main characters in a story

      • Recognize basic settings (e.g., home, school, park)

  • Curriculum Resources:

    Teachers use Everyday Speech to guide First Graders through their idaily SEL Class.

    Certainly. Here are standards for socio-emotional learning (SEL) appropriate for PreK 1 students:

    1. Self-Awareness

      • Recognize and name basic emotions (happy, sad, angry, scared)

      • Identify personal likes and dislikes

    2. Self-Regulation

      • Use simple strategies to calm down when upset (e.g., deep breathing, counting)

      • Follow classroom rules and routines

    3. Social Awareness

      • Recognize others' feelings through facial expressions and body language

      • Show empathy towards peers and adults

    4. Relationship Skills

      • Take turns and share with others

      • Use words to express needs and wants

    5. Responsible Decision-Making

      • Make simple choices and explain reasoning

      • Understand consequences of actions

    6. Emotional Vocabulary

      • Learn and use words to describe different feelings

      • Express emotions verbally instead of physically

    7. Conflict Resolution

      • Use simple problem-solving steps with adult guidance

      • Learn to apologize and make amends

    8. Cooperation

      • Work and play cooperatively in small groups

      • Participate in collaborative activities

    9. Self-Esteem

      • Recognize personal strengths

      • Show confidence in attempting new tasks

    10. Diversity and Inclusion

      • Recognize and respect differences in others

      • Include others in play and activities

    11. Personal Space and Boundaries

      • Understand and respect personal space

      • Ask permission before touching others

    12. Kindness and Compassion

      • Perform simple acts of kindness

      • Show care for classmates who are upset

    13. Persistence and Resilience

      • Continue trying when facing challenges

      • Ask for help when needed

    14. Self-Care

      • Practice basic hygiene routines

      • Recognize the importance of rest and healthy eating

    15. Community Awareness

      • Understand their role in the classroom community

      • Participate in simple community service projects

Specialty Subjects

  • Here are five fundamental physical education standards for PreKindergarten students:

    Gross Motor Skills Development: Students will demonstrate competency in fundamental gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, hopping, galloping, skipping, and sliding.

    Body and Spatial Awareness: Students will develop an understanding of their own bodies and how they move through space, demonstrating the ability to navigate their environment safely and effectively.

    Balance and Coordination: Students will engage in activities that promote balance and coordination, such as walking on a balance beam, standing on one foot, or participating in simple yoga poses.

    Object Manipulation: Students will develop skills in manipulating various objects, such as throwing and catching balls, kicking, rolling, and striking objects with hands or simple equipment.

    Cooperative Play and Sportsmanship: Students will participate in cooperative games and activities that encourage teamwork, sharing, turn-taking, and good sportsmanship, fostering positive social interactions and emotional development.

  • Basic Standards:

    1. Color Recognition

      • Identify and name primary colors

      • Mix primary colors to create secondary colors

    2. Shape and Form

      • Recognize and draw basic shapes (circle, square, triangle)

      • Create simple forms using playdough or clay

    3. Line

      • Draw different types of lines (straight, curved, zigzag)

      • Use lines to create simple pictures

    4. Texture

      • Explore and describe different textures (smooth, rough, bumpy)

      • Create rubbings to capture textures

    5. Fine Motor Skills

      • Hold and use crayons, markers, and paintbrushes correctly

      • Practice cutting with safety scissors

    Advanced Standards:

    1. Color Theory

      • Introduce the concept of warm and cool colors

      • Experiment with color mixing to create shades and tints

    2. Composition

      • Understand basic concepts of foreground and background

      • Create artwork that fills the entire space

    3. Art Appreciation

      • Look at and discuss works of art

      • Express preferences for different artworks

    4. Multi-media Art

      • Combine different materials in artwork (e.g., paint and collage)

      • Explore digital art tools under supervision

    5. Art and Emotions

      • Use colors and shapes to express feelings in artwork

      • Discuss how artwork makes them feel

    6. Cultural Art Awareness

      • Explore art from different cultures

      • Create art inspired by cultural traditions

    7. 3D Art

      • Create simple sculptures using various materials

      • Understand the difference between 2D and 3D art

    8. Observational Drawing

      • Draw simple objects from observation

      • Notice and depict basic details in subjects

    9. Art and Nature

      • Use natural materials in art projects

      • Create art inspired by nature

    10. Creative Expression

      • Use art to tell stories or express ideas

      • Experiment with unconventional art tools (e.g., sponges, string)

  • Certainly! Here are STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) standards for PreK 1, integrating these disciplines in an age-appropriate manner:

    Science:

    1. Scientific Inquiry

      • Ask questions about the natural world

      • Make simple observations using senses

    2. Living Things

      • Identify basic needs of plants and animals

      • Observe and describe changes in living things

    3. Earth and Space

      • Recognize basic weather patterns

      • Explore properties of rocks, soil, and water

    Technology: 4. Digital Awareness

    • Identify common technology devices

    • Understand basic functions of digital tools (e.g., on/off, volume)

    1. Simple Machines

      • Explore and use simple machines (e.g., ramps, levers)

      • Understand how tools help us do work

    Engineering: 6. Design Process

    • Plan and create simple structures

    • Test and improve designs

    1. Problem Solving

      • Identify simple problems in daily life

      • Brainstorm solutions using available materials

    Art: 8. Creative Expression

    • Use various materials to create art

    • Express ideas through visual arts

    1. Artistic Techniques

      • Explore different art-making techniques

      • Mix colors and create textures

    Mathematics: 10. Number Sense - Count objects up to 20 - Understand one-to-one correspondence

    1. Patterns and Relationships

      • Recognize and create simple patterns

      • Sort objects based on attributes

    Integrated STEAM: 12. Nature and Art - Create art using natural materials - Observe and draw plants or animals

    1. Building and Construction

      • Use blocks or recycled materials to build structures

      • Explore balance and stability in constructions

    2. Measurement and Comparison

      • Use non-standard units to measure objects

      • Compare sizes, weights, and capacities

    3. Environmental Awareness

      • Participate in simple recycling activities

      • Learn about conservation of resources

  • Basic Standards:

    1. Singing

      • Sing simple songs in a group

      • Match pitch within a limited range

    2. Rhythm

      • Clap or tap simple rhythms

      • Move to a steady beat

    3. Listening

      • Recognize different types of sounds (loud/soft, high/low)

      • Identify common instruments by sound (e.g., piano, drum, guitar)

    4. Musical Play

      • Engage in musical games and finger plays

      • Use body movements to express music

    5. Instruments

      • Explore and play simple classroom instruments (e.g., shakers, bells)

    Advanced Standards:

    1. Vocal Expression

      • Experiment with different voice types (speaking, singing, whispering)

      • Create vocal sound effects for stories or songs

    2. Advanced Rhythm

      • Recognize and reproduce simple rhythm patterns

      • Differentiate between fast and slow tempos

    3. Music and Emotions

      • Express how different types of music make them feel

      • Use music to tell simple stories

    4. Music Notation

      • Introduce very basic notation concepts (e.g., notes go up when pitch goes up)

      • Create simple pictorial representations of sounds or music

    5. Cultural Music Awareness

      • Experience music from different cultures

      • Recognize that music is used in various ways in daily life

    6. Composition

      • Create simple musical phrases using voice or instruments

      • Improvise responses to musical prompts

    7. Music and Movement

      • Perform simple dances or choreographed movements to music

      • Use creative movement to interpret different musical elements

    8. Dynamics

      • Understand and demonstrate the concepts of loud and soft in music

      • Control volume while singing or playing instruments

    9. Music Appreciation

      • Listen attentively to short musical pieces

      • Express preferences for different types of music

    10. Music and Other Arts

      • Explore connections between music and other art forms (e.g., drawing to music)

  • PreK 1 Students at IFS begin to work before they play: raking leaves, watering plants and helping in the garden.

  • PreK 1 Students walk to the park every Thursday in rain or shine from the first week of school.

    They also have an organized Field Trip to a well -known farm, museum or hiking trip.

Exploring Powerful Interactions:

Project Based Learning in PreK 1

  • Here are some ways that IFS applies simple math standards to this project:

    1. Counting and Number Recognition

      • Count the number of petals on different flowers

      • Count the number of legs on various animals

      • Recognize and identify numbers on plant pots or animal habitats

    2. Sorting and Classifying

      • Sort plants by size (small, medium, large)

      • Classify animals by their habitats (land, water, air)

    3. Patterns

      • Create patterns with different types of leaves or flowers

      • Identify patterns in animal markings (e.g., stripes on a tiger)

    4. Measurement

      • Measure plant growth using non-standard units (e.g., paper clips)

      • Compare sizes of different animals using terms like bigger/smaller

    5. Shapes

      • Identify shapes in plants (e.g., circular flowers, triangular leaves)

      • Recognize basic shapes in animal body parts

    6. Graphing

      • Create a simple pictograph of favorite plants or animals in the class

      • Make a bar graph showing the number of seeds planted in different pots

    7. Estimation

      • Estimate how many seeds are in a fruit

      • Guess how many animals might live in a specific habitat

    8. Simple Addition and Subtraction

      • Add the number of plants in two different areas of a garden

      • Subtract leaves that fall from a plant

    9. Comparisons

      • Compare quantities of different types of plants or animals

      • Order animals from smallest to largest

    10. Data Collection

      • Collect and record data on plant growth over time

      • Track the number of different animals observed during a nature walk

  • Although these might change, the common standards for this project are:

    • Vocabulary Acquisition

      • Learn basic plant names (树 - tree, 花 - flower, 草 - grass)

      • Learn common animal names (猫 - cat, 狗 - dog, 鸟 - bird)

    • Character Recognition

      • Recognize simple characters related to nature (木 - wood, 田 - field)

      • Identify the character 动 in 动物 (animal)

    • Pinyin Introduction

      • Learn the pinyin for basic colors found in nature (绿 lǜ - green, 棕 zōng - brown)

      • Practice pronouncing animal sounds in Mandarin (喵 miāo - meow, 汪 wāng - woof)

    • Simple Phrases

      • Use the phrase "这是..." (zhè shì... - This is...) to identify plants and animals

      • Learn "我喜欢..." (wǒ xǐhuān... - I like...) to express preferences

    • Counting

      • Count plants or animals using Mandarin numbers (一 yī, 二 èr, 三 sān)

      • Use measure words like 只 (zhī) for animals and 棵 (kē) for trees

    • Basic Strokes

      • Practice writing simple strokes found in nature-related characters

      • Trace characters like 山 (shān - mountain) or 水 (shuǐ - water)

    • Listening Comprehension

      • Follow simple instructions in Mandarin related to caring for plants or animals

      • Understand basic descriptions of plants or animals

    • Speaking Practice

      • Describe a plant or animal using simple adjectives (大 dà - big, 小 xiǎo - small)

      • Role-play being different animals and make their sounds in Mandarin

    • Cultural Connection

      • Learn about animals in Chinese zodiac (生肖 shēngxiào)

      • Introduce plants significant in Chinese culture (like 竹 zhú - bamboo)

    • Song and Rhyme

      • Learn simple songs about plants or animals in Mandarin

      • Practice rhymes that include nature vocabularyDescription text goes here

  • These science standards are typically covered with the PreK 1 unit on Plants + Animals.

    1. Living vs. Non-living: Students will distinguish between living things (plants and animals) and non-living objects in their environment.

    2. Basic Needs: Children will identify the basic needs of plants and animals (food, water, air, shelter).

    3. Plant Parts: Students will recognize and name the main parts of a plant (roots, stem, leaves, flower).

    4. Animal Characteristics: Children will identify basic characteristics of animals (e.g., fur, feathers, scales) and how they move.

    5. Life Cycles: Students will observe and describe simple life cycles of plants (seed to plant) and animals (egg to butterfly).

    6. Habitats: Children will recognize that different plants and animals live in different environments (e.g., water, land, air).

    7. Plant and Animal Interactions: Students will understand simple ways plants and animals depend on each other (e.g., bees pollinating flowers, birds eating seeds).

    These standards provide a foundation for understanding basic concepts about plants and animals, appropriate for PreK 1 students. They focus on observation, identification, and simple relationships in nature.

Investigations into Living Things

Traces of what is left behind

Exploring Water-Based Ecosystems + Habitats

  • Each water based ecosystem will have slightly different standards, but these are the most commonly explored standards:

    1. Properties of Water

      • Observe and describe the basic properties of water (e.g., it's wet, can flow, takes the shape of its container)

      • Recognize that water can exist in different forms (liquid, ice, steam)

    2. States of Matter

      • Identify water in its three states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam)

      • Observe how water changes from one state to another (e.g., melting, freezing)

    3. Buoyancy

      • Predict and test which objects will sink or float in water

      • Explore how shape affects an object's ability to float

    4. Water Cycle

      • Introduce basic concepts of evaporation and condensation

      • Observe water disappearing (evaporating) and reappearing (condensing)

    5. Surface Tension

      • Observe how water forms droplets

      • Explore how some insects can walk on water

    6. Absorption

      • Investigate which materials absorb water and which don't

      • Compare the absorbency of different materials

    7. Water as a Solvent

      • Observe how some substances dissolve in water

      • Explore mixing and separating water with other materials

    8. Water Movement

      • Observe how water moves (flows downhill, forms rivers)

      • Explore concepts of pouring and dripping

    9. Water Conservation

      • Understand that water is a limited resource

      • Learn simple ways to save water

    10. Water and Living Things

      • Recognize that plants and animals need water

      • Observe how plants absorb water

    11. Water and Weather

      • Identify different forms of precipitation (rain, snow, hail)

      • Understand that clouds are made of water

    12. Simple Machines and Water

      • Introduce simple water tools (e.g., water wheels, pumps)

      • Explore how water can be used to move things

  • These are commonly used math standards that engage our PreK 1 students during their study of water.

    1. Counting and Cardinality

      • Count water drops, objects that sink or float

      • Recognize numerals on measuring cups or containers

    2. Number Recognition

      • Match number of water drops to numerals

      • Identify numbers on water-related tools and containers

    3. Measurement (including Volume and Weight)

      • Compare volumes of water in different containers

      • Measure rainfall using simple rain gauges

      • Explore weight of water-filled containers

      • Compare weights of different objects in water

      • Use non-standard units to measure water (e.g., cups, spoons)

    4. Estimation

      • Estimate how many cups will fill a larger container

      • Guess how long it will take for ice to melt

      • Predict the weight of water-filled containers

    5. Shapes

      • Identify shapes of various containers

      • Observe how water takes the shape of its container

    6. Patterns

      • Create patterns with water drops or ice cubes

      • Identify patterns in water ripples

    7. Sorting and Classifying

      • Sort objects that sink or float

      • Classify water sources (rivers, lakes, oceans)

    8. Graphing

      • Create simple bar graphs of sink/float results

      • Make pictographs of favorite water activities

    9. Comparison

      • Compare weights and volumes of containers with different amounts of water

      • Order containers from least to most full

    10. Simple Addition and Subtraction

      • Add drops of water to a container

      • Subtract water as it evaporates

    11. Time Concepts

      • Measure time it takes for ice to melt

      • Observe daily water routines (e.g., watering plants)

    12. Data Collection

      • Record daily water usage

      • Track plant growth with different amounts of water

    13. Spatial Relationships

      • Use positional words to describe floating objects (on top, under)

      • Arrange water containers in different configurations

    14. One-to-One Correspondence

      • Match one cup to each plant when watering

      • Pair each boat with a body of water on a map

    15. Symmetry

      • Observe symmetry in water reflections

      • Create symmetrical water drop patterns

    Activities integrating multiple standards:

    1. Sink or Float Experiment: Predict, test, count, and graph objects that sink or float.

    2. Water Measurement Station: Use different-sized containers to measure, compare, and order volumes of water.

    3. Ice Melting Time: Estimate and measure the time it takes for ice cubes to melt under different conditions.

    4. Rain Gauge Project: Make simple rain gauges, measure rainfall, and create graphs of the data.

    5. Water Cycle in a Bag: Observe and measure water as it evaporates and condenses in a sealed bag.

    6. Plant Watering Math: Measure water for plants, count days between watering, and track growth.

    7. Water Conservation Chart: Count and graph ways to save water at home and school.

    8. Buoyancy Balance: Use a balance scale to compare weights of objects in and out of water.Description text goes here

  • These Mandarin standards are taught in each Water Project in Trimester 2:

    Certainly! Here are Mandarin Literacy standards that can be integrated into a Water Project for PreK 1 students:

    1. Vocabulary Acquisition

      • Learn basic water-related words: 水 (water), 雨 (rain), 冰 (ice)

      • Introduce simple verbs: 喝 (drink), 流 (flow), 冻 (freeze)

    2. Character Recognition

      • Recognize the character 水 (water) in different contexts

      • Identify water-related radicals like 氵(three-dot water radical)

    3. Pinyin Introduction

      • Learn the pinyin for water-related words

      • Practice tones using water sounds (e.g., drip, splash)

    4. Simple Phrases

      • Use "这是..." (This is...) to identify water in different forms

      • Learn "我喜欢..." (... - I like...) to express preferences about water activities

    5. Counting in Water Context

      • Count water drops or containers using Mandarin numbers

      • Use measure word 滴 for drops of water

    6. Basic Strokes

      • Practice writing strokes found in water-related characters

      • Trace characters like 雨 (rain) or 江 (river)

    7. Listening Comprehension

      • Follow simple instructions in Mandarin related to water experiments

      • Understand basic descriptions of water states and properties

    8. Speaking Practice

      • Describe water using simple adjectives: 冷 (lěng - cold), 热 (rè - hot)

      • Role-play scenarios involving water (e.g., asking for a drink)

    9. Cultural Connection

      • Learn about the importance of water in Chinese culture

      • Introduce water-related festivals like 端午节 (Duānwǔ jié - Dragon Boat Festival)

    10. Songs and Rhymes

      • Learn simple songs about rain or rivers in Mandarin

      • Practice rhymes that include water vocabulary

    11. Story Comprehension

      • Listen to simple stories about water in Mandarin

      • Retell parts of the story using learned vocabulary

    12. Writing Practice

      • Practice writing the character 水 (water)

      • Create simple pictographs combining 水 with other elements

  • A study on water relates closely to several UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and has significant implications for livelihoods. Here's how:

    UN Sustainability Development Goals related to water:

    1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

      • Directly addresses water access, quality, and management

    2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

      • Clean water is essential for preventing water-borne diseases

    3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

      • Water is crucial for agriculture and food production

    4. SDG 14: Life Below Water

      • Focuses on conserving and sustainably using water resources

    5. SDG 15: Life on Land

      • Water is vital for terrestrial ecosystems

    6. SDG 13: Climate Action

      • Water cycles are deeply affected by climate change

    Impact of water shortage on livelihoods:

    1. Agricultural Productivity

      • Reduced crop yields and livestock production

      • Loss of farmer income and food insecurity

    2. Economic Impacts

      • Decreased industrial output in water-dependent industries

      • Increased costs for water in urban areas

    3. Health Consequences

      • Increased risk of water-borne diseases

      • Malnutrition due to food scarcity and poor sanitation

    4. Education

      • Children, especially girls, may miss school to collect water

      • Reduced learning capacity due to health issues

    5. Social Stability

      • Water scarcity can lead to conflicts over resources

      • Forced migration from water-stressed areas

    6. Gender Inequality

      • Women and girls often bear the burden of water collection

      • Time spent on water collection reduces opportunities for education and employment

    7. Environmental Degradation

      • Overexploitation of water sources damages ecosystems

      • Loss of biodiversity impacts traditional livelihoods

    8. Urban Challenges

      • Informal settlements struggle with water access and sanitation

      • Increased urban poverty due to rising water costs

    9. Energy Production

      • Reduced hydroelectric power generation

      • Impacts on cooling systems for other power plants

    10. Tourism and Recreation

      • Negative impacts on water-based tourism activities

      • Loss of income in tourism-dependent communities

    For a PreK 1 water project, these complex issues can be introduced in simple terms, focusing on the importance of water conservation and its impact on people and the environment. Activities could include:

    • Learning about how plants and animals need clean water

    • Simple water-saving practices at home and school

    • Understanding that some people have to walk far to get water

    • Exploring how we use water in different ways (drinking, cleaning, growing food)

  • Math Standards:

    1. Counting and Cardinality:

    • Students can count the number of tracks in a series up to 5.

    • Students can recognize and name groups of 1 to 3 objects without counting (subitizing).

    1. Measurement and Data:

    • Students can compare sizes of different tracks using terms like "bigger," "smaller," and "same size."

    • Students can sort tracks or fossils into simple categories (e.g., by size or shape).

    1. Geometry:

    • Students can identify basic shapes in tracks or fossil imprints (e.g., circles, ovals, triangles).

    • Students can use positional words to describe where tracks are located (e.g., next to, between, in front of).

    1. Patterns:

    • Students can recognize and extend simple patterns in a series of tracks (e.g., big track, small track, big track, small track). OR bird track, mammal track etc.

  • Mandarin Literacy:

    • Students can recognize and say simple Mandarin words related to animals (动物, dòngwù), such as: • 恐龙 (kǒnglóng) - dinosaur • 足迹 (zújì) - footprint • 骨头 (gǔtou) - bone

    • Students can use basic Mandarin vocabulary to describe what they observe, such as: • 大 (dà) - big • 小 (xiǎo) - small • 旧 (jiù) - old • 新 (xīn) - new

    • Students can respond to simple Mandarin instructions related to the unit, like: • 看 (kàn) - look • 摸 (mō) - touch • 找 (zhǎo) - find

  • Science:

    • Students can identify and compare different types of tracks and traces left by animals.

    • Students can match common animal tracks to the correct animal (e.g., bird, cat, dog, rabbit).

    • Students can recognize that fossils are evidence of living things from long ago.

    • Students can sort objects into categories of "living" and "non-living" things.

    • Students can describe basic differences between tracks (e.g., big/small, many toes/few toes).

    1. Goal 13: Climate Action

    • Students can recognize that some animals and plants from long ago no longer exist.

    • Students can understand that our actions can help or harm animals and their habitats.

    1. Goal 14: Life Below Water

    • Students can identify tracks or traces of water animals (like fish fossils or seashells).

    • Students can understand that water habitats are home to many living things.

    1. Goal 4: Quality Education

    • This goal is inherently supported by the unit itself, as it provides early education on environmental topics.

    • Students can share what they've learned about tracks and trails with friends or family.