Kindergarten

Kindergarten can be a big transition from preschool, but with the right ingredients it can be smooth and fun. Through song, books, and hands-on activities we learn about the alphabet and their sounds, numbers and counting skills, shapes, colors, printing and pasting, prayers, and a whole lot more. The skills that are learned and developed are unique to each child. We strive to help them grow to their fullest potential. The Kindergarten classroom teacher will use a variety of instructional methodologies including whole group discussions, small group cooperative learning, individual work, and one-on-one support.

Kindergarten Curriculum

WRITING
Kindergarten students begin the writing process for a variety of authentic purposes.

A kindergartner will be expected to:

  • Print first and last name
  • Record thoughts and ideas by drawing and kid writing (phonetic based writing)
  • Expand written vocabulary, listen and express thoughts and ideas in an appropriate, meaningful manner, expand oral vocabulary, use language to communicate needs, ideas, and thoughts, retell a story in sequence

READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts of reading, writing, listening and speaking are fundamental to all learning and are integrated throughout the curriculum. The Kindergarten language arts curriculum entails a variety of programs, materials and activities to help build a strong foundation in literacy. A Kindergartner will be expected to learn; All 26 letters and sounds. They will need to show Phonemic Awareness in the following areas:

  • Rhyming orally, understand that words are made up of sounds
  • Blend phonemes (sounds) into spoken words. Ex: (b) (a) (t) = bat
  • Segment phonemes (sounds) into spoken words. Ex: bat = (b) (a) (t)
  • Read Learn beginning reading skills for enjoyment and information
  • Track print from left to right
  • Understand that words convey meaning
  • Recognize a word and understand that words are made up of sounds
  • Demonstrate an interest in books/reading
  • Introduce high frequency words
  • Participates in a variety of reading formats such as read aloud, guided, shared and independent
  • Introduce reading and comprehension strategies

SCIENCE
The science curriculum is a hands on,open ended and sequential process of investigating the biological and physical world.

Physical Science:

  • Identify, describe, and compare properties of objects size, shape, color
  • Explore solids, liquids, and gases

Life Science:

  • Explore the world of plants and animals
  • Explore life cycles
  • Discover the conditions necessary for growth and development
  • Recognize the five senses and their function
  • Explore each sense in great depth to better learn their role
  • Develop the realization that the five senses help individuals learn about the world around them

Earth Science:

  • Identify and describe changes of day and night
  • Identify and describe changes in seasons and weather

MATH
The primary goal is to develop each student’s ability to creatively explore, reason, analyze, and solve a wide range of problems. This requires instruction where a variety of mathematical methods are emphasized so as to provide a foundation for future math success.

Numbers and Numeration:

  • Counting by 1’s to 120 and counting forward by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s
  • Counting backwards by 1’s
  • Count 20 or more objects
  • Estimate number of objects
  • Develop an understanding of place value
  • Compare and order whole numbers up to 20
  • Print numerals 0-20
  • Identify numerals 0-50 by orally telling and typing on computer
  • Identify 1st, 2nd, 3rd and last
  • Name Collections (being able to show a number in many ways)

Operations and Computation

  • Use manipulatives, number lines, and mental math to solve simple addition and subtraction problems
  • Identify addition and subtraction problems
  • Collect and organize information by using tally marks and graphs
  • Use graphs to answer simple questions

Measurement and Reference Frames

  • Use nonstandard tools and standard measuring tools
  • Identify pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills
  • Begin to measure time, volume, length, weight and temperature Geometry
  • Identify and describe plane and solid figures including circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, spheres, and cubes
  • Identify shapes having line symmetry

Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

  • Identify and produce 4 patterns (AB, ABB, AAB, ABC)
  • Read and write number sentences using the symbols +, -, and =

SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum is designed to develop a child’s awareness of their place and relationship to the world around him/her. Children explore their sense of self and how they relate to people and places in their life.

Culture:

  • Families and Friends
  • Groups and leaders
  • Roles of people at home and school
  • Rules at home and school

Geography and Economics:

  • A Big Wide World
  • Seasons
  • People, places and jobs
  • Celebrations and traditions
  • Animals and their habitats

History:

  • Long Ago and Today
  • Calendar Concepts
  • Transportation
  • Change over time
  • Historical figures

Citizenship:

  • Our Country, It’s a Great Place
  • Leaders and Heroes
  • National Symbols

RELIGION
The focus of this series is God’s many gifts to us, God’s love for us and God’s Son Jesus. Modeling the way of Jesus: expressing our feelings appropriately, using good words and actions, praying, and treating others the way we want to be treated is also covered. Kindergartners will know that Jesus is the Son of God and the correct way to make the sign of the cross. kindergarten students will recognize stories from the Old and New Testaments. They will learn these stories and the word of God by reading from the bible and attending Mass weekly.

ART
Kindergarten students learn about the elements of art. Projects will introduce the students to using shape, line, color, and texture in their work. Kindergarten students are also introduced to a variety of artists through songs, story books, and interactive lessons using different technology tools. Kindergarten students will learn how to create their own picture collage with pictures they take on paper and computer.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please see 
Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the gym curriculum.

MUSIC
The Kindergarten program introduces students to music appreciation through singing, dancing, marching, moving to, and listening to different types of music.

Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the music curriculum.

TECHNOLOGY
Please see 
Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the technology curriculum.