Early Childhood

Curriculum Updates

Pre-Primary
Primary

Pre-Primary

This month in Pre-Primary 1, our learning will center around life on a farm, and we will bring this theme to life through stories, music, and imaginative play. During storytime, we will enjoy reading Driving My Tractor and A Farmer’s Life for Me by Jan Dobbins, which will introduce children to the daily routines and experiences of farm life. Music will add another layer of engagement as we sing and move along to playful songs like I Know a Chicken by the Laurie Berkner Band and Down on Grandpa’s Farm by Raffi. To really enhance our understanding of farm life, our dramatic play area will allow children to step into the role of a farmer by collecting eggs from chickens, bottle-feeding baby cows, milking cows, and feeding a horse. It is sure to be great fun!

In Pre-Primary 2, we are excited to explore Life on a Farm, a theme that naturally weaves in gardening, fruits, vegetables, and the life cycle of a plant. Throughout the month, children will observe how a plant grows from a tiny seed into something we can eventually eat, helping them build a meaningful connection between nature and food. We will plant and grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, giving the children the opportunity to taste what we grow and even bring some home to share. Our days will also include engaging farm-themed stories such as Driving My Tractor, Who’s on the Farm, Around the Farm, and Morning on the Farm, along with lively songs like Driving My Tractor, A Farmer’s Life for Me, and Down on Grandpa’s Farm that encourage movement and participation. As the month comes to a close, the children will take part in planting our butterfly garden, helping us prepare for May’s upcoming unit on Life Cycles, where we will focus on butterflies and pollinators.

The Pre-Primary 3 classroom will incorporate a variety of engaging ocean-themed activities that blend play, music, and literacy in a natural, flowing way. During group time, we will explore finger plays and carpet games such as Five Little Jellyfish and Five Little Fish Swimming in the Sea, along with interactive color games featuring whales, all of which help build early counting and participation skills. Storytime will deepen our understanding of this theme with a mix of lively and visually rich books including Ocean by Ingela P. Arrhenius, Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle, and Ocean by Bethany Carr. As we explore habitats, we naturally introduce concepts about how animals live, whether in water or on land, and then expand based on the children’s interests, sometimes focusing on woodland environments and other times diving into arctic habitats, allowing their curiosity to guide the learning journey.

Pre-Primary Specials Spotlight

Spanish:

Our Pre‑Primary Spanish program will explore an "All About the Farm" unit. Students will learn farm‑related vocabulary and cultural songs through interactive music and play‑based games that promote language development and social skills. To conclude the school year, we will transition to an engaging Ocean unit that reinforces vocabulary and listening comprehension with thematic activities and songs.

Primary

In April, our studies will bring two exciting and important topics to life in the classroom. Primary 101 and 102 will explore Life Cycles, while Primary 103 and 104 will dive into our Ocean unit. Next month, the groups will switch topics, giving all students the opportunity to experience and learn about both areas of study.

Our unit on Life Cycles will have our youngest learners engaging in hands-on experiences such as planting seeds, observing their growth, and learning about how caterpillars transform into butterflies. Through discussions and connections to their own growth, we are nurturing early science skills while fostering an appreciation for nature during this vibrant season. Our Ocean unit will give students an opportunity to explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on activities, stories, and creative play. From discovering different ocean animals to learning about underwater habitats, children are building an understanding of this vast and fascinating environment. Sensory experiences, art projects, and imaginative exploration help bring the ocean to life right in our classroom. As students engage with this unit, they are developing curiosity, expanding their vocabulary, and gaining an appreciation for marine life and the importance of caring for our oceans.

In math, we will wrap up our unit on Ways to Compare by using language such as heavier and lighter, while also exploring different ways to weigh items and compare data. Students will continue working with math stories, where they will practice counting and comparing, determining whether groups have the same amount, and connecting these ideas to their understanding of more and fewer. As we conclude the unit, students will have opportunities to discuss how data can be represented by organizing and comparing groups of objects, and will practice recording their findings in meaningful ways.

In language arts, we will continue strengthening our skills as we explore the letters S, P, X, K, V, and W. With a strong foundation in phonological awareness already established, students are now being given opportunities to build on their knowledge in more meaningful ways. They will continue to engage in activities such as rhyming, segmenting and blending sounds, and isolating beginning, middle, and ending sounds, while also applying what they have learned. For example, students will be challenged to generate their own rhyming words and supply words that match given sounds. These experiences support deeper understanding as they continue to strengthen both their phonological awareness and early reading skills.

Primary Special Events

Friday, April 24 from 8:45-9:15 AM: Primary 103 and Primary 104 Flag Assembly

Primary Specials Spotlight

Spanish:

In Primary Spanish, students will explore spring themes using classic Spanish-language picture books, songs, and interactive games. Instruction will introduce vocabulary related to life cycles and weather, reinforced through reading selections such as Eric Carle’s “La oruga muy hambrienta” and other favorites. Students will practice language skills through seasonal songs and playful activities, including games like “¿Qué hay en el huevito?”

Summer Camp

PBDA is thrilled to present a dynamic and enriching Summer Camp program running from June 15 through September 3. Designed to keep students entertained, inspired, and learning all summer long, our camps offer an exciting variety of activities for children entering Pre-Primary through Grade 8.

View the full Summer Camp schedule

Student Success

A Message from the Director of Student Success Team, Rebecca Welton

Writing is an essential part of your child’s growth as a learner. It not only strengthens communication skills but also supports reading development, critical thinking, and creativity. When children write regularly, they learn to organize their thoughts, express ideas clearly, and build confidence in their voice.

One of the most impactful ways to support your child is by providing opportunities for authentic writing, writing that has real purpose and meaning in their daily lives. Here are a few simple ideas you can try at home:

Encourage your child to keep a journal or write about their day, interests, or experiences
Have them help write grocery lists, to-do lists, or family plans
Invite them to write notes or letters to family members and friends
Ask them to create stories, comics, or even simple “books” to share with you
Involve them in writing thank-you notes, emails, or cards for special occasions

These small, meaningful opportunities help children see writing as a natural and enjoyable part of everyday life.

School-Wide Events & Important Dates

Friday, April 3: No School

Good Friday

Friday, April 10: Rummage Sale Collection

We invite PBDA families to support the Rummage Sale by donating items during the first of two collection days. Drop off at the Wildermere Building on the Flagler Campus from 7:30 AM-2:00 PM.

Learn More

Friday, April 17: Early Dismissal

Professional Development Day. Lower School dismissal will take place from 12:30-1:00 PM. Upper School dismissal will begin at 1:00 PM. Students will eat lunch prior to dismissal.

Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18: The Little Mermaid Jr.

The Upper School is proud to present The Little Mermaid Jr. in the Seaview Campus Smith Family Theater - open to all PBDA families. This beloved tale of curiosity, courage, and finding your voice comes to life through the dedication and talent of our students—qualities they embody every time they step into rehearsal and onto the stage. We hope you’ll join us for one of the performances below and cheer them on. Showtimes: Friday, April 17 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, April 18 at 12:00 PM; and Saturday, April 18 at 3:00 PM.

Click Here for Tickets

Friday, April 24: Spirit Shop Open

Stock up on PBDA and team spirit items at the Spirit Shop from 8:00-10:00 AM; Store located at the end of the Flagler Campus parking lot.

In This Section

Early Childhood

Pre-Primary

Pre-Primary Specials Spotlight

Primary

Primary Special Events

Primary Specials Spotlight

PreK2 - Grade 3

Grades 4-8

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