1. One of the most important findings about the brain development shows that the brain has critical periods for learning. If one deprives a brain of information during this crucial time, it may never develop properly; the opportunity is lost (Gowin).

2. Are Preschool Programs Beneficial to Children? Katherine Davis

3. Research Preschool education benefits the child: 1.Educationally 2.Emotionally 3.Socially 4.Other Long Term Effects

4. Long Term Study Chicago Longitudinal Preschool Study Preschool 1979-80 into adulthood 40% of residents in the area live below the poverty line 1.Lower high school dropout rate 2.Less drug abuse 3.Fewer arrests

5. Research Before Kindergarten: Students have the knowledge of basic kindergarten skills such as colors, shapes, counting, writing their name, letter identification, and concepts of books/print.

6. Basic Practices in Preschool Fine motor skills Listening Reading Cutting Working Independently Imagination

7. Product Because I researched the benefits of preschool programs I did a few things for my product. These are listed below: 1.Conduct a survey at four local elementary schools. 2.Teach a class at Toddler’s Inn Daycare. 3.Create a scrapbook of all the things a preschool student does in one day.

8. Steps for Completion Survey: 1.Emailed all kindergarten teachers 2.Came to classroom and counted how many had attended preschool Class: 1.Worked with a Toddler’s Inn teacher, Ms. Connie, to create a lesson plan on flowers. 2.Taught the class and created a teaching portfolio. 3.Completed reflection sheet with Ms. Connie. Photo Album: 1.Took pictures of students throughout the day. 2.Made a scrapbook.

9. Class At Toddler’s Inn I lead a 3 hour 30 minute lesson on sunflowers. How they grow What they look like Life Cycle Read a book “The Sunflower Life Cycle” Created paper plate sunflowers

10. Mentor Patricia Durham; Owner of Toddler’s Inn Daycare She is an expert in early childhood education. 30+ years of experience. Ms. Pat assisted me in lesson plans, scheduling my class, and staying on track with my project plan.

11. Challenges Time management How to teach a class at a preschool level Contacting teachers for permission for survey Successes Sunflower plate craft went exactly as planned. Students were very entertained by the lesson Everything was completed on time. Survey results supported my thesis

12. What I Learned Even though preschool curriculum is easy material, it is hard to teach at a four year old level. Children have big imaginations. Benefit: I am now able to communicate with younger children without a problem.

13. Thank you for your time. Questions?