Our kindergarten program nurtures students by meeting their social needs in a loving and supportive environment. The goal of kindergarten is for children to develop confidence in their abilities as they approach experiences throughout all aspects of the program. The teacher’s role is to guide each individual student to work and play cooperatively in a variety of centers, including art, writing, blocks, dramatic play, listening, science and math. Time is taken during the day to discuss group or individual dynamics as they appear. Children have a variety of opportunities to use thoughtful and creative strategies for resolving conflicts. Students work with teachers to build self-control, cooperation, patience and a positive attitude. Teachers work to identify and develop the strengths of individual students.
Weekly MindUP and Second Step lessons help build these skills.
Kindergartners are immersed in a print-rich environment, where they have access to fiction and non-fiction books at a variety of reading levels and covering many interests and topics. Children learn reading skills through group and individual experiences, learning at their own rate and accounting for their individual interests and abilities. Morning message is a key learning tool for reading in kindergarten, where children develop sight word vocabulary and are presented with direct phonemic awareness skills and phonics instruction. Kindergarten children learn through mini-lessons on skills, anchor charts and teacher modeling to help develop a strong letter-sound relationship as well as reading strategies for both early and emergent readers. Teachers also read with children one-on-one and in small groups to ensure individualized attention. Reading is integrated across the curriculum throughout the day.
Children in kindergarten actively write throughout the day in a variety of contexts, including journals, books, lists, poems, morning messages and experience charts. Many writing tools (different size paper, journals, dry erase boards, pencils, crayons, markers) are available to allow the children the freedom to experience many variations when writing. Children learn letter formation through modeling, print in the classroom, and handwriting practice with the Handwriting Without Tears program. Children are introduced to the writer’s workshop and writing topics such as labels, lists, narrative, fiction, and informational writing. Each child’s developmental stage of writing is acknowledged while conferencing and working towards meeting individual goals.
Kindergarten utilizes hands-on programs. Math takes place in kindergarten daily through real life experiences and math lessons in which students are introduced to a wide range of concepts and skills in both large and small groups. Some of the concepts introduced at this level are numeration, patterning, measurement, addition, subtraction, graphing, classifying, and geometry. Students explore math using manipulatives such as geoboards, pattern blocks, Unifex cubes, and rulers. Morning meeting provides daily experiences with numbers through counting, patterning, graphing, and tallying. Games are an important part of the curriculum, allowing children to discover ideas and develop an understanding of math concepts at their own pace.
Social Studies instruction in kindergarten is focused on self and others. The students learn about themselves in the context of their immediate surroundings. Kindergartners will learn about similarities and differences between children, families and communities and about holidays, symbols, and traditions that unite us as Americans. Students learn about respect for others, and rights and responsibilities of individuals. Participation in group discussions allow the children the chance to express themselves through sharing, and working on skills such as articulation, vocabulary, staying on topic, and asking questions.
Science themes center on the child and their world and also include the savanna, Antarctica, deserts, ocean and rainforest. Themes foster an understanding of and interest in the world in which children live. They serve to nurture a student’s natural curiosity and encourage positive attitudes towards learning. Hands-on learning incorporates the themes through literature, dramatic play, activity centers and projects. Children become more aware and develop an appreciation for differences in the world around them. Participation in STEM activities allows students to explore these topics.
Experiments provide children with the opportunity to explore the scientific method, and children are encouraged to think logically and creatively to gain an understanding of the scientific principles. In addition, kindergarten students explore health topics.
Kindergarten follows the Next Generation Science standards. Along with animals, the children study push and pull, solids and liquids, and weather.
Small class sizes that allow for more focused and tailored instruction with the support of the IGNITE program
Hands-on, enjoyable learning experiences that foster collaboration, respect and empathy
Highly qualified teachers and assistants that focus on social-emotional development
Active learning environment that instills curiosity and engagement
Physical education program which focuses on character, teamwork and sportsmanship
Exposure to special academic areas including music, library, and physical education
8:00 - Hands-on Activities & Mindful Breathing
8:30 - Math
9:00 - Specials
9:30 - Snack
10:00 - Class Meetings
10:30 - Language Arts & Phonics
11:30 - Lunch
12:00 - Story & Mindful Breathing
12:30 - Science, STEM, Social Studies, Second Step, or MindUP
1:00 - Specials
1:30 - Project
2:25 - Recess
2:55 - Dismissal
