Kindergarten

Art

Kindergarten children are in the early stages of developing an understanding of the elements and principles of art. Their work with primary colors, self-portraits, spatial awareness, lines and shapes, the color wheel, symmetry, and still life will introduce the students to the excitement and joy of becoming artists. Along the way, students will develop an appreciation for art and be exposed to a variety of media during the kindergarten year.

Language Arts

Introducing the young child to literacy in a variety of methods that will lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and writing is a major component of the kindergarten program. This is accomplished with the use of a balanced reading program that includes strong phonics instruction, independent reading, shared reading, guided reading, and teacher read-alouds. Writing experiences are emphasized through Writers Workshop, which includes journaling , research and story writing. 

Mathematics

Students are introduced to math through a multiple-exposure program that utilizes a number of resources: The math program is designed to be useful, enjoyable, varied, and meaningful so that a strong mathematical foundation is formed. Concepts introduced include counting, numeration, measurement, geometry, patterns, data collection, calendar skills, graphing, and calculator use. 

Music

Kindergartners begin to develop musical skills such as recognizing musical contrasts, keeping the beat, expressing music through movement creatively, developing vocal technique, building a repertoire of common folk songs, as well as songs from other cultures appropriate to their age, and learning how to play a variety of percussion instruments.

Physical Education

Physical education strengthens a kindergartners’ growth and development in five central areas: socialization, movement skills, manipulative skills, low-organizational games, and specific sport skills. This class is a structured learning environment that enhances a child’s abilities to cooperate with and respect others. Students learn a variety of movement experiences in an atmosphere that makes them feel successful.

Science

The kindergarten science curriculum is project-based and provides students with the foundations for observing, communicating, measuring, comparing, describing, classifying, predicting, collecting, and interpreting data. It is designed to foster curiosity, inventiveness, persistence, and enthusiasm. Children learn by doing and reflecting upon this active learning. 

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum is project-based and promotes increased awareness of self, family, and the school community. Recognizing that community begins in the classroom, children actively learn the meaning of respect, honesty, cooperation, responsibility, and empathy. 

Spanish

The Spanish curriculum for kindergarten is largely based on oral development as students are introduced to the sounds of Spanish through carefully selected vocabulary thus providing students opportunities for successful communication in the target language. The program introduces an awareness of cultural similarities and differences in the Spanish-speaking world. Students develop and expand this awareness through songs, dialogues, role-playing, skits, and games. The structure of the Spanish program creates a safe and fun environment for students to learn.

Technology

Our goal with kindergarten students is to foster an early proficiency in the use of laptop computers, iPads, and related software. Technology is used primarily in this grade through stations and activity centers in the classroom. Students also have access to STEM materials for basic coding and engineering design.