Christ the King Lutheran

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At Christ the King Preschool, we believe that learning is most powerful when it is joyful, meaningful, and connected to children’s everyday experiences. Our approach to teaching letters is grounded in research, play-based exploration, and an understanding that children build skills in different ways and at different paces.

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Why We Don’t Teach the Alphabet in A–Z Order

Instead of following the traditional alphabetical order, we use the Learning Without Tears sequence recommended by early childhood specialists. This order introduces letters based on how easy they are to form, rather than where they appear in the alphabet. Children begin with letters made from simple, familiar strokes (like L, F, and E) and gradually progress to more complex shapes.

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This approach supports:

• Writing readiness and confidence

• Stronger fine-motor development

• Reduced frustration

• Successful letter formation early on

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When children feel successful, they become successful.

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Movement-Based Phonics with Zoo-Phonics

Children connect each letter to a corresponding Zoo-Phonics animal and body movement. This full-body learning supports memory, attention, and engagement — especially for preschoolers who learn best through motion and play.

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What Are the WaKIDS/GOLD Objectives?

Each weekly post also highlights a Kindergarten Readiness skill from Washington’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines (GOLD). These objectives represent the whole-child approach: social-emotional skills, physical development, early literacy, early math, science investigations, and more.

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These readiness skills:

• Build a bridge from preschool to kindergarten

• Help families see the “why” behind our activities

• Support each child’s whole-person growth

• Are woven naturally into play and daily routines

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How Families Can Support Learning at Home

Every letter post includes:

• A child-friendly YouTube link

• Theme-based activities

• Suggestions for reinforcing readiness skills

• Simple home routines that build connection and joy

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Together, we create an environment where learning feels playful, purposeful, and personal — a place where children grow not only as learners, but as kind and curious human beings.

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