Kindergarten
Young children are naturally curious and eager to investigate their environment. As teachers of kindergarten children, it is our goal to provide a stimulating, positive, and secure environment in which the children’s natural enthusiasm for solving problems, gaining new insights and refining concepts will be fostered. Our overall program, especially small group centers, encourages children to think and work independently and engage in tasks that motivate as well as challenge.
Within a creative, theme based curriculum the children engage in direct experiences with opportunities to look back, reflect, and discuss what they’ve learned. The subject areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, music, and art are incorporated into whole group and center activities.
A.S.A. P. in ELC (Always say a prayer)
The cornerstone of our program is built on Christian values. Morning prayer and pledge begin each day. A blessing always precedes lunch time and special celebrations. Class rules reflecting kindness and respect are posted in the classroom and are referred to often. Our weekly chapel service teaches the children the power of God’s love through lessons, songs, and scripture.
Language Arts
Our language arts program offers a variety of experiences. Language development is encouraged through a multitude of games, critical thinking activities, and problem solving techniques. The Houghton Mifflin Reading and English Programs are the primary sources used. Quality literature through the use of Big Books, stories, charts and poetry are experienced daily and reinforced in a regularly scheduled media visit. Phonological awareness activities are daily experiences that are critical to pre-readers. Small group centers allow for the children to practice and reinforce the skills taught in our Morning Meeting. Children who are reading above grade level are given the opportunity to participate in the accelerated reader program.
Writing
The D’Nealian handwriting program is taught beginning in kindergarten. The children are taught proper pencil grip, slant, and formation of each letter. Letters are put together to make words and words are formed into simple sentences. We always remember our two-finger spacing to ensure enough space between words. In the beginning of the year we are modeling journal writing. By mid year the children have gained confidence to begin their own journal writing using phonetic spelling. The year concludes with the children feeling confident in their ability to write a complete sentence.
Math
The Houghton Mifflin math program is activity based and introduces as well as reinforces the basic skills of patterning, sorting, classifying, graphing, measuring, comparing, addition, subtraction, probability, problem solving, place value, telling time, and money. Thru the use of concrete manipulatives we begin to lay the groundwork. As the year progresses, we shift to more abstract thinking in order to prepare the children for the challenges of first grade.
Science
Many tools are used such as scales, pulleys, tape measures, rulers, magnets, and magnifying glasses in order to reinforce science concepts. Daily topics are addressed: seasons, months, days, and weather. Observing, classifying and experimenting help nurture the children’s awareness of their environment. Working in our backyard garden is a wonderful way to incorporate some of these skills. Science finds by the children are always welcome for class discussion.
Social Studies
Through the use of maps, globes, and our imagination we travel to Italy, Japan, and the schools current country of study, Egypt. As we travel, we compare the ways and customs to our life in Florida. At Thanksgiving time we learn how the Pilgrims and Native Americans learned from each other by working together. During the Christmas season we learn about different traditions and customs around the world. Our yearly subscription to Time for Kids Magazine enriches our science and social studies units.
Music
Whether it is classical, popular children’s songs or formalized instruction, the children are exposed to various types of music throughout the day. Many units studied have corresponding songs, tunes or compositions that compliment the topic. The children enjoy guessing the familiar melody as songs for each letter/sound are introduced from the Houghton Mifflin series.
Art
Each unit provides it own opportunity for artistic creative expression. Through the use of various art mediums the children are allowed free expression as well as teacher directed activities. Our fine arts unit allows the children to explore and reproduce the work of three well-known artists. Individual works of art are proudly displayed throughout the classroom and school.
Resources
Each week our students have the opportunity to participate in Spanish, Media Center, P.E., Music, Chapel, and Tech Connect. All the activities are woven into our classroom curriculum. The children also participate in two musical productions scheduled at Christmas and in the spring.
Kindergarten is a year where life long learning skills are introduced, developed, and nurtured. It is also a year of tremendous growth, both socially and academically. Through workshop rotations the children learn to make appropriate choices in the areas of time management, responsibility, problem solving, discipline, and independent work habits. The choices they make allow them to gain a sense of self-worth and independence allowing them to become confident learners.
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