Curriculum

Building Curious Minds Through STREAMin³

At Resurrection Lutheran School, learning is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten. Our curriculum helps our students become creative thinkers, lifelong learners, compassionate friends and curious explorers from the very beginning. 

Two preschool students exploring wooden building toys during a hands-on learning activity at resurrection lutheran school in newport news, va.

As a Virginia Quality program, we proudly use STREAMin³, a research-based curriculum developed right here in Virginia by the University of Virginia and recognized by the Virginia Department of Education. STREAMin³ combines meaningful play, intentional teaching and hands-on exploration to help children develop academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually in a nurturing environment. Learn more about how our curriculum fosters whole body learning below.

What Is STREAMin³?

STREAMin³ (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an evidence-based curriculum created specifically for Virginia’s early childhood programs. Rather than relying on worksheets or rote memorization, STREAMin³ encourages children to learn through play, investigation, conversation, movement and meaningful relationships.

Children naturally learn best when they are actively engaged. Every activity in our programs, including with blocks, exploring nature, creating artwork, reading stories, asking questions, or conducting simple science experiments, has a purpose and supports multiple areas of development.

The Five Core Skills And Six STREAM Skills

We believe children learn best when every area of their development is nurtured together. That’s why we use STREAMin³, a comprehensive, research-based program that supports children from infancy through preschool by developing the skills they need for kindergarten and throughout their school journey. 

Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, STREAMin³ integrates five core skills and six STREAM skills into everyday learning experiences. These areas of emphasis include:

  • Science exploration
  • Technology and digital awareness
  • Reading and early literacy
  • Engineering and problem-solving
  • Creative arts
  • Mathematics
  • Social and emotional development
  • Language development
  • Physical development
  • Executive functioning skills

Intentional And Whole-Child Based Learning At Every Age

Oung student wearing a junior firefighter helmet at resurrection lutheran school in newport news, va

Our programs grow alongside your child. We also understand that every child develops at their own pace. Our teachers intentionally observe each child’s progress and create learning opportunities that match their developmental stage and individual interests. That means that your child may be in a program that best supports their needs rather than their age level.

Infants: Even our youngest learners experience purposeful learning through nurturing relationships, sensory exploration, music, language exposure and more. In our Infants program, teachers follow each infant’s individual schedule while encouraging healthy development through everyday experiences.

Toddlers: Toddlers are naturally curious! As part of our Toddlers and Twos programs, teachers provide opportunities to explore, move, communicate and develop independence while introducing early concepts through play, songs, stories and hands-on activities.

Preschool: Our Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 programs expand on children’s growing curiosity through structured STREAMin³ lessons that strengthen early literacy, mathematics, science, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration while maintaining the joy of learning through play.

How Do We Help Prepare Your Children For Kindergarten?

As part of our commitment to high-quality early childhood education, we utilize the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) for our preschool students. VKRP helps our teachers monitor each child’s progress in important developmental areas, including early literacy, mathematics, self-regulation and social skills.

Rather than serving as a test children pass or fail, VKRP allows us to personalize instruction, celebrate growth, identify opportunities for additional support, and help ensure every child is confident and prepared for a successful transition into kindergarten.

FAQs

Choosing the school with the right early childhood curriculum is an important decision. Below are answers to questions about our whole-child approach to learning and how we help prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Yes! STREAMin³ is built on research-based developmental standards that reflect how young children learn and grow. Rather than focusing only on academic milestones, STREAMin³ goes by what children learn and how they learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Learn more.

By combining evidence-based instruction and Christian values, our preschool & childhood development center helps children develop the confidence, curiosity and lifelong love of learning that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.

We offer a few activities throughout the day, with a least one hour of outdoor play every day if the weather permits. A typical day may include:

  • Provocation activities that spark curiosity
  • Circle time or morning meeting
  • Choice centers and independent exploration
  • Small-group learning
  • STREAMin³ learning
  • Storytime and early literacy
  • Meals and snacks
  • Rest time
  • Additional STREAMin³ exploration in the afternoon

It is! Individualized teaching and meaningful interactions that meet each child where they are, providing personalized opportunities for every child to learn, grow and succeed. We also have an early intervention specialist on staff, who is able to assist when needed.

A Virginia Quality program is an early childhood education program that meets Virginia’s standards for providing high-quality care and education for young children. Our preschool and childhood development center is focused on continuous improvement in areas such as high-quality curriculum and instruction, safe, healthy learning environments, child development and school readiness and more.

As a Virginia Quality program, we utilize Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) and Virginia Language and Literacy Screening (VALLSS) assessments for eligible preschool-aged children. These assessments align with Virginia Department of Education expectations and help teachers better understand each child’s development.

The information gathered allows teachers to celebrate developmental milestones, identify areas where additional support may be helpful, personalize learning experiences and prepare families for future learning.

Learn More About STREAMin³ Or Enroll Today

The best way to experience the STREAMin³ difference is to see how our research-based, faith-centered curriculum helps children learn, grow and thrive every day. Call (757) 595-5883 or contact us to learn more or join our school.

Resurrection lutheran school entrance

Big Discoveries Begin with Little Steps

Give your child the opportunity to learn, explore and thrive in a nurturing, faith-based environment. At Resurrection Lutheran School in Newport News, VA, our early childhood programs encourage curiosity, build confidence and support every stage of your child’s development. Discover a place where little learners grow and bright futures begin!