Kindergarten Program
Reading: Early Literacy with Heggerty Phonics
The Writing Workshop Model in Kindergarten enriches our reading curriculum by fostering essential writing skills that students will carry throughout their lives. This approach engages young learners in brainstorming sessions, organizing their thoughts with graphic organizers, and actively participating in the writing process. Students explore key questions, such as:
Mathematics: Building Mathematical Understanding
The curriculum introduces students to essential math concepts such as number sequences, time measurement, patterns, addition, subtraction, sorting, and object length. By using Envision Math strategies, students are encouraged to think critically and problem-solve creatively. Lessons are designed to be interactive and student-centered, promoting active participation and ensuring that each child can explore math concepts in a way that suits their learning style.
Through Envision Math's visual and interactive tools, Kindergarten students develop a solid grasp of mathematical principles and are guided to ask and answer questions like:
Social Studies: Exploring Our Community
In Kindergarten, our Social Studies curriculum integrates InquireED principles to enhance students' understanding of their community and citizenship through inquiry-based instruction. Units are designed as deep explorations of social studies content, structured around compelling questions and culminating in informed action. This approach promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving through student-centered strategies.
Students investigate key concepts such as:
Social Emotional Learning: Mastering Emotions and Conflict Resolution
Throughout the year, students delve into essential questions, including:
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In Kindergarten, we enhance early literacy through the Reading Workshop Model, integrating the Heggerty Phonics program to establish solid foundational skills. This approach encompasses phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, fluency, and comprehension. Our daily reading instruction features direct lessons, personalized teacher-student conferences, dedicated reading sessions, and reflective activities. Students delve into essential reading questions throughout the year, such as:
- Why is reading important?
- What do we need to read effectively?
- What can we find in a book?
- How do we choose a "just right" book?
- How are letters, words, and sentences formed?
- What strategies can help with difficult words?
- What predictions can we make about a story?
- Who are the characters, and what are their roles, settings, conflicts, and resolutions?
The Writing Workshop Model in Kindergarten enriches our reading curriculum by fostering essential writing skills that students will carry throughout their lives. This approach engages young learners in brainstorming sessions, organizing their thoughts with graphic organizers, and actively participating in the writing process. Students explore key questions, such as:
- Why is writing important?
- Who will read my writing?
- What makes writing compelling and engaging?
- How can I overcome spelling challenges?
- What details can I add to make my story more compelling?
Mathematics: Building Mathematical Understanding
Our Kindergarten Math program is crafted to instill a lasting love for mathematics while catering to diverse learning needs. This program integrates the Envision Math approach, emphasizing a blend of whole-group and differentiated small-group instruction. Students explore foundational math concepts through engaging, hands-on manipulatives and interactive math games, fostering a deep understanding of critical ideas.
The curriculum introduces students to essential math concepts such as number sequences, time measurement, patterns, addition, subtraction, sorting, and object length. By using Envision Math strategies, students are encouraged to think critically and problem-solve creatively. Lessons are designed to be interactive and student-centered, promoting active participation and ensuring that each child can explore math concepts in a way that suits their learning style.
Through Envision Math's visual and interactive tools, Kindergarten students develop a solid grasp of mathematical principles and are guided to ask and answer questions like:
- What is a number sequence?
- How do we measure time?
- What are patterns, and how can we create or extend them?
- How do addition and subtraction work?
- How can we sort items effectively?
- What is the length of an object?
Social Studies: Exploring Our Community
In Kindergarten, our Social Studies curriculum integrates InquireED principles to enhance students' understanding of their community and citizenship through inquiry-based instruction. Units are designed as deep explorations of social studies content, structured around compelling questions and culminating in informed action. This approach promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving through student-centered strategies.
Students investigate key concepts such as:
- What defines a community?
- What role do I play within it?
- What does good citizenship look like?
- What are our state and national symbols?
- How are holidays celebrated?
- What roles do community workers have?
- How do events, people, and places evolve?
- What does being an "Upstander" or a "Changemaker" mean?
Social Emotional Learning: Mastering Emotions and Conflict Resolution
In Kindergarten, our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, guided by the Institute for Social-Emotional Learning principles, fosters a deep understanding of self and others. This program integrates engaging literature, structured discussions, and role-playing activities to help students build robust social skills and emotional intelligence.
Students learn to recognize and articulate their own emotions and those of their peers, equipping them with vital tools for managing feelings, resolving conflicts, and fostering positive social interactions. The curriculum emphasizes essential SEL principles such as self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making.
Throughout the year, students delve into essential questions, including:
- What are different kinds of feelings?
- How can I recognize and name my own emotions?
- How can I understand and support a friend's feelings?
- What are effective strategies for resolving conflicts and solving problems?
