A Kindergarten Snapshot

In Kindergarten, we foster early literacy through the Reading Workshop Model alongside a comprehensive phonics program, focusing on building foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, fluency, and comprehension. Our approach incorporates daily direct lessons, personalized teacher-student conferences, independent reading sessions, and reflective activities. Through this model, students not only develop critical reading skills but also engage with essential questions throughout the year, such as:

We aim to instill a love of reading while equipping students with the tools they need for literacy success.

In Kindergarten, we create the conditions for young writers to develop their ideas and share their stories while practicing essential literacy skills. Students engage with the writing process by brainstorming ideas, organizing their thoughts, and beginning to experiment with writing conventions. Throughout the year, students explore key writing concepts and questions, such as:

Through exposure to different genres, students learn to compose writing pieces, building creativity, clear expression, and confidence in their abilities. Daily practice and reflection help instill the habits of lifelong writers.

Handwriting starts this process, helping students develop fine motor skills, connect letters with sounds, and learn to build words. As they gain confidence in letter formation, they can focus more on their ideas, fostering creativity and expression. Handwriting also supports cognitive development, reinforcing memory and comprehension, which is critical for becoming confident, lifelong writers.

Our Kindergarten mathematics curriculum aims to cultivate a lifelong love for mathematics by engaging each child's curiosity and empowering their learning journey. With a focus on hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning, students actively engage with math concepts through whole-group instruction and small, differentiated groups, ensuring that every student can learn in a way that best suits their needs.

Using interactive manipulatives and cooperative math games, students explore foundational mathematical ideas while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our approach emphasizes differentiation, allowing teachers to meet the diverse needs of learners by tailoring instruction and challenges to individual levels and learning styles. Key concepts introduced throughout the year include number sequences, time measurement, patterns, addition, subtraction, sorting, and understanding the length of objects.

Through these activities, students are encouraged to ask and answer meaningful questions such as:

Our approach ensures that each child builds a solid mathematical foundation and fosters a genuine excitement for learning math. We aim to inspire every student to see math as a tool for inquiry and discovery, nurturing their curiosity and supporting their agency in the learning process.

In Kindergarten at Trinity, our Social Studies curriculum sparks curiosity and encourages students to explore their community with a sense of agency. Using an inquiry-driven approach, students ask big questions and take ownership of their learning as they discover their roles in the world around them.

Our units are designed as deep investigations of social studies concepts, with each unit centered around a compelling question that leads students toward informed action. This inquiry-driven model nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, empowering students to find their voice as active citizens in their community.

Through exploring key concepts such as community, citizenship, and the roles of community workers, our students begin to answer questions like:

Our Social Studies program is also culturally responsive, connecting lessons to our students' diverse backgrounds. By using multiple perspectives and encouraging critical investigations, students see themselves reflected in the content and understand the broader factors that shape their world. This approach cultivates a sense of agency, helping students recognize their power to make positive changes, both locally and globally.

At Trinity, social and emotional learning is as important as academics, especially in the early years. In Kindergarten, our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, based on the Institute for Social Emotional Learning principles, helps children understand themselves and their peers. We focus on helping our students recognize their feelings, express themselves, and show kindness and compassion to others.

Through fun stories, discussions, and role-playing, our students build important life skills—like making friends, solving problems, and working together. Our SEL approach strengthens emotional well-being and helps children face challenges with confidence and care. By weaving these lessons into everyday activities, we lay the foundation for students to become thoughtful, empathetic individuals.

Some of the big questions we explore in Kindergarten include:

At Trinity, we create a warm and supportive environment where students feel safe sharing their thoughts and emotions. Our Kindergarten students learn to connect with others, build strong friendships, and handle social situations with kindness and understanding.