|
 Reading
and Language Arts is a combination of phonics
and whole language approach is used to teach reading and to build skills
in listening, writing, and speaking. The Saxon "Phonics and Spelling"
program is used daily. This series is only one tool that is used in helping
children learn to read and communicate effectively. The children are
encouraged to write their "own stories" and express their feelings in
their personal journals or special books. Creative expression is also
encouraged in the form of dramatics, puppetry and various other
"role-play" situations.
Mathematics
- The MacMillan "Mathematics" program and the
"Everyday Mathematics" curriculum created by The University of Chicago
School Mathematics Projects is used in the Kindergarten. This curriculum
guides the children to develop various math concepts through the use of
games, manipulative and other hands-on activities. Manipulatives are used
to teach all math concepts from sorting and patterning to the more
difficult concepts of addition and subtraction. Other skills that are
part of the curriculum are measurement, graphing, prediction, money
recognition and classification. Toys and games are used in many ways to
help children learn to reason, learn numeration, work with numbers and
problem solve. The goal of this curriculum is to help the children learn
to apply their reasoning and computation skills to everyday situations.
 Social Studies
and Science - These two units of studies set
the theme for the class activities in art, the play centers, display
table, in the library corner and for special discussions and field
trips. The following themes are included for the current year: All About
Me, Nocturnal Creatures, Fall, Native Americans, Pioneer Christmas,
Bears, Hawaii, Rocks and Fossils, Castle Times, Plants and Insects, and
Mexico.
Specials -
Our Kindergarten curriculum is enriched
with additional teachers in the following academic goals:
-
Spanish -
this class provides a multi-sensory
method of introducing the Spanish language and culture to young
children.
-
Sign Language
- during this time the children learn another way of communicating
many words, phrases, and songs through the use of the "silent
language". Our Kindergartners have the privilege of leading all of
the students in the signing of the Creed during Chapel.
-
Music
- this special class is held in our music room in the basement of
the Sanctuary. During this class, the children learn to create
sounds with a steady beat, play rhythm instruments, dance, clap
patterns, sing songs related to the unit themes and learn new chapel
songs. Our Kindergartners play the part of the main characters in
the Nativity Story at Christmastime and present a mini opera during
the spring semester.
-
Fun 'n Fitness
- Our Kindergarten children attend a Motor Skills class which we
designed just for them! Work becomes play as we target growth by
Moving' & Groovin' our bodies through a variety of developmentally
appropriate and FUN tasks designed to stimulate and challenge their
gross motor skills. We begin the year working on bilateral movement,
then progress to unilateral movement, and eventually cross lateral
movement. This process is crucial to not just making our bodies
stronger and more efficient, but to developing pre-reading skills as
well. Each class period, we address core strength to promote better
stamina for seated desk work, as well as stabilization of shoulder,
wrist, and hand for increased fine motor ability. Class begins with
a short period of stretching which increases our tone and gives us a
chance to develop focus and listening skills. We then progress
through a series of stations, which target particular abilities,
including increasing success for completion of multi-step tasks.
Kindergartners also play numerous games designed to increase their
social and spatial skills necessary for working in a large group.
All "Special" classes are
taught twice a week.
Computers -
Computers are available in the classroom as an additional learning tool.
The children are given the opportunity to become familiar with the
keyboard and to work the developmentally appropriate software. The
computers are used within the framework of a learn center choice option.
Outdoor Fun -
Each day our students are
provided with unstructured time on the playground. Learning how to
problem solve individually as well as in groups lays a valuable
foundation for their further education. |
