Kindergarten

List of 12 items.

• Literacy

  The Kindergarten reading curriculum is based on the Wilson Fundations® curriculum (a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading), and a guided reading program that is differentiated and anchored into the units of inquiry. We take a developmental approach to reading, ensuring that students make 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 or more complex stories, students are guided along their journey over the course of the school year. Students enhance their strong phonemic awareness with rich read alouds and leveled readers. Journal writing is also an important part of the daily routine.

• Mathematics

  In Kindergarten, students begin learning mathematics through Dimensions Math®, the flagship 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. Science is 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.  

• Social Studies

  Kindergarten students explore the world around them from the local to the global through the transdisciplinary units of inquiry. Through carefully constructed experiences as well as student-led inquiry, students gain knowledge and skills, apply their learning to new situations and experiences, make connections, and determine personally relevant actions. From exploring homes around the world based on weather, culture or geography to learning about cultural aspects of storytelling, students engage authentically and joyfully  in their learning. 

• Spanish

  Kindergarteners have Spanish lessons once a week. They sing songs, play games, read stories and engage in various activities in Spanish that are related to their units of inquiry. such as life cycles, stories, body systems and homes. Cultural celebrations from Spanish speaking countries around the world are also recognized.

• Technology

  Kindergarten students are introduced to desktop 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 extra support with specific skill work as necessary. Social/emotional resources are also available from the Lower School Counselor, who delivers whole class social-emotional lessons, supports students individually or in small groups,  offers parent support and education, and meets with teachers to problem solve student support strategies. All of this support helps children feel competent, secure, successful and happy.

• Library

  Kindergarten students visit the library once a week for storytime, literary unit of inquiry connections and book checkout. A wide variety of stories induce explorations and discussions of unit related content, unfamiliar vocabulary, and "what happens next.” Additionally, early research skills are introduced with the library as a focal point of primary and secondary sources. During independent library time, Kindergarten students begin practicing library etiquette as well as familiarizing themselves with book selection, library organization, checkout, and careful handling of materials.

• Art

  Kindergarten artists practice foundational skills and knowledge in both exploratory and guided drawing, collage, painting, and 3-D design. Evidence of learning can be found throughout this process which often (but not always) results in a finished artwork. As they work, children talk with their peers about their ideas and techniques in informal and prompted conversations.  Artists have opportunities to make transdisciplinary connections to their units of inquiry, including creating stories and puppets, studying the forms of animals and working with clay, creating home dioramas and  learning skills in drawing figures, self portraits as well as practicing observational drawing of toys.  Throughout the year, Kindergarten artists were introduced to artistic studio habits of mind, including Express, Understand art worlds, Observe and Develop Craft. 

• Music

  Kindergarten musicians play instruments and games, singing and marching around the classroom to reinforce a steady beat and echo rhythmic stories. Through creative expression they bring their learning to life, engaging both their imaginations and bodies. They deepen their conceptual understandings of their units of inquiry by making connections to songs and movement, including embarking on a captivating journey through the world of instrument families by crafting their own unique instruments from recycled materials.

• 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, and covers:

  • Independent dressing;
  • Safe locker room behavior;
  • Entering and exiting the water safely and independently;
  • Crawl Stroke with side breathing;
  • Backstroke.