Early Childhood

The pre-kindergarten program at Portland Lutheran is designed for 3 and 4 year olds and encourages the development of fine and gross motor skills in a rich learning environment. The children paint, draw, sing in choir, develop pre-reading and pre-math skills, discover the library and play dress-up and games during free-choice time.

Kindergarten at PLS emphasizes social and academic readiness, and the 5 year olds are challenged to grow and prepare for first grade with pre-reading and pre-writing skills. The reading program is based on phonics and builds a foundation for a lifelong love of reading. The children visit the library weekly for story time and learn some of the basics for using a library.

Kindergarten students work on computers, enjoy music and create art. They also attend physical education classes regularly to explore activities appropriate to their ability and confidence levels. Portland Lutheran’s P.E. curriculum is based on standards developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Through the kindergarten experience, children at various stages of maturity begin to develop an understanding of themselves and their community and an excitement for learning in a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment.