Little Learners Grow Big Skills at Pierce Terrace Elementary

Dr. Lorraine Emory

Mar 25, 2026

UPK students at Pierce Terrace Elementary work alongside a parent during the Little Learners Family Fun Lab, using simple, hands-on materials to build fine motor skills and demonstrate how learning activities can be easily recreated at home.

At Pierce Terrace Elementary School (PTES), the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program continues to demonstrate that early learning reaches far beyond letters and numbers. Through hands-on experiences, meaningful family involvement, and intentional instruction, young learners are developing the essential skills needed for lifelong success.

A standout component of the program is the “Little Learners Family Fun Lab,” an interactive after-school event designed for UPK students and their families. The event welcomed parents into the classroom, where they engaged in simple, hands-on activities alongside their children, many of which can be easily recreated at home using everyday materials. “I think the event was successful,” said UPK teacher Patricia Jolly. “The parents were surprised to see how easy it is to incorporate the skills into their daily life,” she added, noting that most activities required little to no cost.

One of the featured learning stations, led by UPK teacher Audrey Jumper, focused on social-emotional learning (SEL). Students practiced identifying emotions by using handheld mirrors and emotion cards, matching facial expressions to what they observed in their own reflections. The activity encouraged students to explore what different feelings look like in a fun, engaging way. Afterward, students transitioned to a drawing station, where they created drawings to express how they felt. This allowed them to communicate emotions in a meaningful, developmentally appropriate way. Families observed both parts of the activity and took home the materials, reinforcing learning beyond the classroom.

Emotional regulation remains a central focus of the UPK program, helping children recognize, understand, and manage their feelings. Students develop skills such as expressing emotions appropriately, practicing calming strategies, and building empathy, which are key components of both academic success and positive social interactions.

In addition to emotional growth, PTES incorporates family-style dining into daily routines. During mealtimes, students practice independence by serving themselves, sharing with peers, and engaging in conversation. This approach builds confidence, responsibility, and healthy habits that extend beyond the classroom.

Students also strengthen fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as writing, cutting, and manipulating small objects. Activities like stringing beads and using classroom tools help develop coordination and hand strength, laying the foundation for future academic work.

Equally important are gross motor skills, which involve larger movements such as running, jumping, balancing, and coordination. Through active play and structured movement activities, students build strength, body awareness, and confidence, supporting both physical development and readiness to learn.

Together, these elements—family engagement, social-emotional learning, independent routines, and both fine and gross motor skill development—create a well-rounded approach to early childhood education at PTES. By focusing on the whole child and equipping families with practical, non-cost strategies, the UPK program ensures that students are prepared not only academically, but socially, emotionally, and physically.

Pierce Terrace Elementary continues to show that when schools and families work together, even the youngest learners can build a strong foundation for lifelong success.