Kindergarten

List of 11 items.

• Language Arts

  The Kindergarten reading curriculum is based on the SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonemic Awareness and Sight Words) reading program, the Scholastic Guided Reading Program, and Junior Great Books. Students are ensured continuous progress because the program’s resources meet their individual needs, from naming upper and lower case letters to forming words by articulating and blending letter sounds, to reading simple stories. Students enhance their strong phonemic awareness with rich read alouds and leveled readers. Journal writing is an important part of the daily routine.

• Mathematics

  In Kindergarten, students begin learning mathematics through Math in Focus®, the US edition of the highly effective Singapore Math® curriculum. Singapore Math aims to help students develop understanding of mathematical concepts through a three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial and abstract. By using concrete manipulatives, students internalize more complex mathematical concepts and develop abstract thinking skills. Using various models and diagrams, learners develop more flexibility, confidence and resourcefulness in their mathematical thinking. The Kindergarten curriculum focuses on developing understanding of number sense and operations, ordering, sequencing and patterns, geometry, and measurement.

• Science

  The inquiry-based Kindergarten science curriculum offers authentic learning opportunities to budding scientists. The program emphasizes a range of skills including observing, comparing and contrasting, predicting, sorting, and the beginnings of ordered thinking. Topics are integrated with the PYP Units of Inquiry, and students engage in hands on learning activities such as using clay and tape to see students’ fingerprints, investigating insects, and learning about the human body.  

• Spanish

  Kindergarteners have Spanish lessons twice a week. They sing songs, play games and engage in various activities in Spanish that are related to themes of study such as greetings, animals, food or clothing. Cultural exploration includes a variety of activities including performing a Mexican folk dance in authentic costume.

• Technology

  Kindergarten students use iPads as an educational tool throughout the year and are introduced to computers in January. In their weekly visits to the technology lab, Kindergarteners use developmentally appropriate software to learn mouse and keyboarding skills. Lessons are integrated into the classroom curriculum to enhance learning.

• Learning Resources

  Teachers recognize students’ unique learning styles and assist them in reaching their full potential by helping them develop strategies for success. Learning resources are also available from Learning Specialists, who provide both extra challenges and extra support with specific skill work as necessary. Social/emotional resources are also available from the Lower School Counselor, who offers parent education; meets with teachers, individual students, small groups and entire classes; and provides the social/emotional support that helps children feel secure, successful and happy.

• Art

  Kindergarten art lessons provide imaginative outlets, creative expression, cultural exploration and the opportunity experiment with a variety of artistic techniques. Kindergarteners explore line, shape, color, texture and form using a variety of media such as crayon, watercolor, color pencil, oil pastel, tempera painting, collage and clay. Students are supported as they develop the motor skills necessary to create art. At least one artist is introduced each year as an art history and appreciation component to the class.

• Library

  Kindergarten students visit the library once a week for storytime and book checkout. During group story time, a wide variety of stories induce discussions of thematic content, unfamiliar vocabulary, and "what happens next.” During independent library time, Kindergarten students begin practicing library etiquette as well as familiarizing themselves with book selection, checkout, and careful handling of materials.

• Music

  Kindergarten musicians begin to explore reading and writing musical notation. Students expand their ability to match pitch by beginning to learn the Kodaly/Kurwin pitch names and hand signs. Kindergartners also have formal musical performance opportunities, including their first theatrical presentation. Composition and improvisation as well as dancing and movement are an integral part of the music program. Orff instruments are used in the program from Kindergarten through Grade 5. Private music lessons are also available for an additional fee.

• Physical Education

  Kindergarten students will develop basic fitness skills, gain knowledge, understand movement, maintain positive attitudes and good behaviors that will enable each student to live a physically active lifestyle. They will continue to develop fundamental movements and basic body-management competency. They learn to perform locomotor (traveling) and non-locomotor (movement in place) skills while continuously learning to follow directions, rules, practice safety and cooperate with their classmates. PE classes encourage joy in physical activity, responsibility and participation.

   

• Swimming

  Kindergarten swimmers are at a range of levels, from bubble blowing to competent strokes; therefore the program is designed to safely meet and push the needs of individual students. The program includes all aspects of water and pool-side safety. After-school swim clubs are also offered for Kindergarten through Grade 5.

  
  Kindergarten swim will cover:

   

  • Breath control
  • Dolphin kick
  • Side breathing
  • Front glide with kicking
  • Back glide with kicking
  • Elementary backstroke with kick
  • Crawl stroke
  • Swim with eyes open under-water
  • Pencil dive
  • Pool Awareness