Thomas County students at Hand-In-Hand Primary School engage in work time with centers that build engineering, writing, math, and reading skills.  In the dramatic play area, children enjoy acting out common scenarios that they experience or see.

“At this age, children learn best through play and hands-on activities,” said Principal Dee Gaines. “Children are not only developing important language skills such as vocabulary, they are also developing important social skills such as collaborating, problem solving, turn-taking, and regulating emotions.

Pre-kindergarten teacher Kym Lamos works hard to create a class family where each child feels like they are wanted, respected, and loved. That security helps to establish an early love for school because when students love coming to school, they are more likely to be successful. 

“We have areas to instill a love of art, science, and music. Pre-kindergarten teachers use these different areas to encourage students to investigate, explore, and create in a safe and loving atmosphere,” said Lamos.

In pre-kindergarten it may look like students play all day, but these students are doing so much more than just playing beauty shop.  Pictured:  Ava Bell, Joshua Sanders, Marley Kate Parramore, and HattiRae Rossi.