Mondays with Mike: What Does Learning Feel Like at Four?

PCA Families and Students,

Last week, we listened to two of our Middle School students describe what learning feels like from where they sit.

This week, we’re going all the way back toward the beginning.

I had the privilege of spending time with some of our oldest four-year-olds in Mrs. Betsy Hickey’s Butterfly classroom. They were funny, wonderfully honest, and completely themselves.

We talked about what they love at school, what is hard, what they can do now that they could not do before, their friends, and what they know about Jesus.

Then I sat down with Betsy to better understand what we were hearing.

What can look small to us—learning to say goodbye to Mom and Dad, waiting for a turn, forming a letter correctly, sharing with a friend—is significant growth when you’re four. And beneath the movement, play, shaving cream, songs, and laughter is a great deal of intentional learning.

Betsy also shares what it looks like to begin helping children understand who God is, how He loves them, and the larger story of Scripture.

[LISTEN: What Does Learning Feel Like at Four?]

Hear Mike read this reflection HERE or click above.

One thing that struck me is how much formation is already happening in these early years. Children are learning to listen, wonder, try, communicate, become more independent, care for others, and begin to know the Lord.

I am grateful for Betsy and our entire PCAP team—and for the joy, patience, and intentionality they bring to these precious children each day.

God bless you, and we’ll see you on campus soon.

Mike Runey
Head of School
Portsmouth Christian Academy

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