--- title: How to Prepare Preschoolers for a 21st-Century Kindergarten description: Establishing a solid academic foundation in preschool is essential for success in Kindergarten and beyond. image: https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/21stpk%20LR-4676.jpg --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-prepare-preschoolers-for-a-21st-century-kindergarten#fsPageContent) ## Custom Class: header-utility-outer ## Custom Class: header-utility-bar ## Custom Class: menu-toggle-container ## Custom Class: utility-bar-links - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Custom Class: hp-utility-est EST. 1976 ## Custom Class: utility-shield-icon shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) ## Navigation - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - 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[Weekly Word](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) # How to Prepare Preschoolers for a 21st-Century Kindergarten [SHEA BUEHLER](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/author/shea-buehler) Mar 1, 2018, 8:48:29 AM **CO-WRITTEN BY SHAUNDA BROOKS** Inside the quaint and cozy Sewell Cottage at Mount Paran Christian School, groups of preschoolers are clustered around a SMART Table. They’re learning about habitats- dragging virtual animals on the touch-screen to the correct environments and clicking to make the animals howl or cluck. The children’s giggles indicate they’re having a ball, and they don’t even realize how much they’re learning, or that they’re mastering cutting-edge technology at the age of three. ![21stpk LR-4676.jpg](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/21stpk%20LR-4676.jpg?width=881&height=510&name=21stpk%20LR-4676.jpg) ### Experienced Teachers Guide to Achievement ![21stB2S17 2017-08-10 09.44.32-1.jpg](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/21stB2S17%202017-08-10%2009.44.32-1.jpg?width=320&name=21stB2S17%202017-08-10%2009.44.32-1.jpg)While the fully-certified preschool teaching staff provides loving and safe classroom experiences for preschoolers, they also capitalize on every learning opportunity through inquisitive, hands-on activities throughout each day. The curriculum is designed to foster social foundations and, at the same time, provide individualized academic instruction. Through project-based learning opportunities and focused  instruction, students are rigorously challenged and encouraged to become problem solvers and self-motivated learners. On-going formative classroom assessments, as well as quarterly summative assessments give insight into the evidence that preschoolers enrolled at MPCS demonstrate an average of a **13% higher** level of kindergarten readiness than students entering kindergarten from other programs.   ***In annual summative assessments of both current and prospective rising kindergarten students, data collected reflects the following mastery levels for kindergarten readiness:***   | **KINDERGARTEN READINESS SKILLS** (mastery levels up to 100%) | ***MPCS Preschool Students*** | ***Non-MPCS Prospective Students*** | ***Differential in Mastery*** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Numeration | 91% | 81% | +10% | | Lower Case Letter Recognition | 94% | 81% | +13% | | Letter Sound Recognition | 86% | 69% | +17% | | Phonological Awareness | 86% | 72% | +14% |   ### ![21stpkpkvillageplayIMG_1509.jpg](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/21stpkpkvillageplayIMG_1509.jpg?width=881&height=419&name=21stpkpkvillageplayIMG_1509.jpg) ### Effective Early-Childhood Instruction Within the preschool classroom, every activity is intentional to accomplish these goals. Georgia-certified teaching staff are implementing research-based best practices. Small student-to-teacher ratios allow individual enrichment for both the emerging and beginning reader. The best predictors for how well students read in later years are phonemic awareness and letter knowledge. For this reason, literacy skills are intentionally fostered through whole group and small group instruction.   ![21stpk LR-2245.jpg](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/21stpk%20LR-2245.jpg?width=352&name=21stpk%20LR-2245.jpg) Through research on child development, teachers incorporate activities which allow for maximum skill development. STEAM classes enrich academic development through technology which reinforce letters, sounds, and numeration through colorful and engaging activities using iPads, SMART Tables, and Osmo systems. STEAM also explores creative science and math through kinetic building projects and hands-on experimentation. Music, P.E., and Spanish impact young children by teaching specific skills which support the student’s growth in language, expression, and gross and fine motor development. Skills such as hand-eye coordination, ability to focus, attending to a task, building stamina, and cross-body movement are incorporated to develop the early learner’s brain. Artistic visual and tactile exploration within the classroom helps to develop the total child.   ![21stpk LR-4517.jpg](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/21stpk%20LR-4517.jpg?width=881&height=533&name=21stpk%20LR-4517.jpg)   Through the skills analysis of rising kindergarten students, we are confident that the MPCS preschool ensures appropriate challenge and confidence-building equating to student’s academic success. More importantly, each child’s growth in the knowledge of Jesus is what sets the program apart. This exemplary instructional approach and fostering of faith has proven to set MPCS students up for success as they advance to kindergarten and beyond.   *Shea Buehler serves as the Director of Preschool at Mount Paran Christian School. Shaunda Brooks is the Chief Admission Officer.*    ---   **Loving and academically advanced**, the [MPCS preschool](https://info.mtparanschool.com/earlychildhood) provides an all-encompassing early-childhood education for preschoolers ages 3-5. To watch the video about the kindergarten program, [click here](https://www.mtparanschool.com/page/academics/lower-school--k-5th).   - [PreK](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/prek) - [christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-school) - [mount paran](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mount-paran) - [mount paran christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mount-paran-christian-school) - [rigorous academics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/rigorous-academics) - [elementary school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/elementary-school) - [Pre-Kindergarten](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/pre-kindergarten) - [Advanced Preschool](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/advanced-preschool) - [kindergarten readiness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/kindergarten-readiness) - [arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/arts) - [christian values](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-values) - [academic rigor](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-rigor) - [innovative learning](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovative-learning) - [hands-on learning](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/hands-on-learning) - [lower school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/lower-school) - [project-based learning](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/project-based-learning) - [STEM](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/stem) - [preschool STEM](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/preschool-stem) - [science](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/science) - [technology](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/technology) - [math](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/math) - [engineering](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/engineering) - [innovation](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovation) - [innovating](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovating) - [innovative education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovative-education) - [cobb county private school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/cobb-county-private-school) - [MPCS](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mpcs) - [STEAM](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/steam) - [preschools in kennesaw](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/preschools-in-kennesaw) - [21st century preschool](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/21st-century-preschool) - [preparing for kindergarten](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/preparing-for-kindergarten) - [higher preschool achievement](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/higher-preschool-achievement) ![WingTips banner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/2023%20wingtips%20General%20Header.jpg) ## *WingTips* Welcome to *WingTips*, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders. ### Subscribe Here! --- --- #### Learn More About MPCS ### Recommended Series #### PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER: - [How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-school-choice-programs-increase-educational-opportunities-for-families) - [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition)  - [What Families Should Expect ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [2 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/2-most-important-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschool) - [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) - [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) - [7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/7-tips-for-affording-a-private-school-education) - [4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-reasons-we-chose-mount-paran-christian-school) - [How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-private-school-for-your-family) - [4 Methods to Meet Every Learner Where They Are](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-methods-to-meet-every-learner-where-they-are) #### PARENTEd. TALKS: - [Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/helping-students-boost-their-brain-capacity-for-success) - [Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/teaching-children-fiscal-responsibility) - [Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-tips-parents-help-teens-avoid-drugs-alcohol) - [Excelling in the Midst of Adversity](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/excelling-in-midst-of-adversity) - [3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-3-tips-navigating-hidden-dangers-social-media) - [The Blessing of a B Minus](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-wendy-mogel-blessing-of-a-b-minus) - [Real Talk for Moms](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-real-talk-for-moms) #### COLLEGE SERIES: - [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) - [ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) - [To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/private-school-529) - [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) #### FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK: - [The Importance of Play](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-importance-of-play) - [What Families Should Expect ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [Play is Learning Through the Arts ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/play-is-learning-through-the-arts) - [4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-to-capture-students-attention) #### CHRISTIAN LIFE: - [What is a Covenant School?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/what-is-a-covenant-school) - [Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/biblical-worldview) - [Faith and Intellect as One](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/faith-and-intellect-as-one) - [Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture ](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-fostering-diverse-culture) - [Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovations-in-education-teaching-cultural-awareness) - [A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/call-to-brotherhood-mlk-wisdom-for-today) - [CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-love-one-another) - [Campaign for CommUNITY](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/campaign-for-community) - [How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-raise-empathetic-children-in-todays-culture) - [Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/imago-dei-why-diversity-matters) - [Praying for Their Future](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/praying-for-their-future) *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.* shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/ti9kmypqeyitndjq73rh.webp)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/best-private-school-in-cobb-county) #### Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 P: (470) 250-0008 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTD8r1s5SeQuPtGW6) - 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