Play is the natural vehicle through which children learn. In Kindergarten, maintain a play-based approach to learning. Studies include literacy development, handwriting, mathematics, social skills, and thematic studies. Library, music and physical education are taught by specialists outside the classroom.
Language Arts: We follow the Open Court literacy curriculum.
Literacy development, or reading readiness, is addressed throughout the curriculum. The children are assessed to determine their level of phonemic awareness (knowledge of how language works). Activities including finger plays, rhymes, songs, chants, stories, and daily reading of our news and announcements chart, help improve phonemic awareness as they move on to phonics, or associating sounds to written symbols.
Weekly journal writing begins with simple dictation and, gradually, children begin using invented spelling. Children are encouraged to write and illustrate on a given topic, to use their knowledge of the alphabetic principle, to expand word usage, and to increase the number of sentences.
Books and reading are an integral part of our learning. We provide several opportunities for children to become involved with books in the classroom and at home. We have a daily story, informal, small reading groups, and use books for specific skill instruction and theme studies. Students borrow books from the classroom and school library during their weekly visits. Book bag stories, which include a journal and character, go home on Fridays. Books may also be purchased through book clubs.
The D’Nealian program guides handwriting. During the first half of the year, children focus on upper case letters in various mediums. The latter part of the year is devoted to lower case paper and pencil practice.
Math: Our math curriculum is based on the MathLand program. Units including number sense, patterns, sorting and grouping, gathering and using information, shapes, and measurements involve language, manipulatives, and recording work.
Social instruction: The social curriculum is addressed using the philosophy and strategies of The Responsive Classroom. We work to create a caring community of learners through the development and strengthening of social skills. A Responsive Classroom is built around six central components that integrate teaching, learning, and caring in the daily program. The components are set in commonly shared values such as honesty, fairness, and respect. Science and Social Studies: Thematic studies tend to follow the seasons. They also reflect the children's interests. Units include: apples, pumpkins, Native Americans, celebrations, penguins, fairy tales, homes, rain forest, eggs, planting, butterflies, and the farm. Each unit involves cross-curricular activities. The amount of time spent on a given topic is dependent upon the schedule and student interest.
Each day includes choice time when children are able to explore the various reading, art, math game, or play centers in the classroom.
Field trips are also an integral part of the program. Trips may include an orchard, a farm, the fire station, sugaring, theater productions, and a greenhouse. Field trips may launch a unit of study, be a culminating experience during a unit, or be taken just for fun! Families with special interests or opportunities to offer often prompt our field trip experiences.
Kindergarten “homework” is for students and parents. We encourage you to discuss your child’s day at school. Reading is the single most important activity to ensure future success in school and beyond. We expect parents to read with their student everyday. We encourage and support reading with book bag stories and borrowed classroom and library books. Children may also be asked to bring in a word or words for our word list. Occasionally, especially as the year progresses, handwriting sheets may be sent home for additional reinforcement. The MathLand program also includes a family letter for each unit. It suggests activities to reinforce and/or extend math concepts presented.
Play is the natural vehicle through which children learn. In Kindergarten, maintain a play-based approach to learning. Studies include literacy development, handwriting, mathematics, social skills, and thematic studies. Library, music and physical education are taught by specialists outside the classroom.