Kindergarten
Kindergarten Current Unit of Inquiry
Theme:How the World Works
Central Idea: We understand our world by observing, comparing, and contrasting.
An Inquiry Into:
• Observing properties of objects
• Comparing & contrasting similarities & differences of objects
• Exploring classification of objects
Learning through natural curiosity provides opportunities for kindergarten students to make meaningful connections between prior learning and new learning. Instruction across curricular areas helps students to make connections into their growing understanding of the world. In all areas of the curriculum, students are encouraged to ask questions, to critically reflect on their learning, and to participate in extensions of learning beyond the classroom.
English Language Arts
A strong phonics based kindergarten curriculum promotes language skills. Understanding vocabulary concepts are developed primarily through a variety of interactive language activities. Students are immersed in a print rich environment. Kindergarten students engage in a variety of activities that help them develop their oral language, reading, and listening skills. These skills help them begin to read and write. Course work includes: practice reading operations, making connections between symbols and sounds, and identifying patterns in written and spoken language. Using an integrated phonics program, students attach meaning to letters, sounds, and words and learn multiple strategies for identifying words. Shared, grouped, and independent reading strategies are used. Daily reading takes place in the classroom with reinforcement at home to develop fluency. Handwriting, spelling, and journaling are incorporated into all aspects of the kindergarten curriculum. In kindergarten the unit of inquiry with a language arts focus will be Read to Me.
Math
The kindergarten math program develops problem solving strategies and mathematical concepts through a variety of hands-on manipulatives. Course work includes: counting by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s, identifying even and odd numbers, comparing objects, understanding number words, and learning addition & subtraction facts. Patterns, place value, telling time, counting coins, describing geometric figures, and solving basic problems are an integral part of math at this level. Students also use a calendar, read temperature, measure various objects, and interpret and construct simple graphs. Problem solving, language, and communication underlie all content areas in our mathematical studies.
Science
The kindergarten science program features hands-on learning in a fully integrated program. Life, physical, earth, health, and process skills form the basis of the science curriculum. Studies include living organisms, skeletal system, nutrition, magnets, weather and seasons, plants, soil, water, rocks, and planets. Students are given the opportunity to manipulate laboratory materials and equipment. Scientific process skills include observing, communicating, classifying, inferring, predicting, hypothesizing, collecting data, and experimenting. In kindergarten the units of inquiry with a science focus will be Our Spaceship Earth, Feed Me, and Opposites Attract.
Social Studies
The kindergarten social studies program explores the basic principles of citizenship and communities. Activities are coordinated to integrate with language and reading instruction for further development of concepts. Children develop cooperative work habits and rules while exhibiting a respect for others. Units of study include, state and national heritage, patriotic holidays, historical people, geographic concepts, and basic human needs. Students also learn to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Customs, symbols, and celebrations of American beliefs and principles round out the kindergarten curriculum. In kindergarten the units of inquiry with a Social Studies focus will be We’re Here, From My Family to Yours and Read to Me.
Art
In kindergarten, students are encouraged to express themselves through the art process. They are introduced to basic art elements and concepts through a variety of projects that allow students to think creatively, to make decisions, and to solve problems. At this level, the children also work to improve fine motor skills by completing numerous art projects.
Music and Movement
Kindergarten music involves interpreting musical language by listening, performing, and working on structured activities in the music classroom. Singing songs and chants in unison and in rounds teaches students about rhythm, harmony, dynamics, tone, and melody. The use of simple instruments reinforces these elements. In addition, musical content correlates with the study of physical education as Kindergarten students are guided through a series of developmentally appropriate experiences and activities that promote a desire to engage in physical activities, advocate a sense of self worth, promote cooperation, and self-control, and lead to choices that advocate a healthy lifestyle. Students are given opportunities to develop large muscle coordination while becoming aware of spatial boundaries. A variety of objects used in physical education help develop fine and gross motor skills. Through organized activities and games, students develop coordination, strength, endurance, a sense of fair play, and cooperation with others.
Spanish
The kindergarten Spanish program promotes a basic understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures. Children learn to understand and speak Spanish through a variety of innovative instructional materials. Students will be introduced to basic phrases including greetings, days of the week, months of the year, colors and numbers through music, arts, crafts, and educational games.
Personal and Social Education
Personal and social education is concerned with developing the characteristics embodied in the Student Profile together with the attitudes that are one of the essential elements of the Primary Years Program. The students will develop an awareness of self as evidenced by their self-confidence and self-worth. They will learn to recognize, communicate and manage their own emotions., reflect on their behavior and take responsibility for their actions and choices.
The curriculum fosters awareness of the cultural, racial, social, linguistic, and religious differences in the school population, and students will develop appropriate social skills when interacting with others, while learning to develop healthy relationships, and to respect the views, needs and rights of others. The students will approach learning with flexibility, creativity and commitment, showing increasing independence and self-direction. In kindergarten the units of inquiry with a Personal and Social Education focus will be Read to Me, Feed Me, and From My Family to Yours.
Library
The goal of the kindergarten library program is to encourage a love of reading in children. Kindergarten students are scheduled weekly for library class and enjoy story time, check out a book and learn age appropriate library skills. Students locate books by using markers to keep their place while browsing. They learn to distinguish between fiction and non-fiction texts with an emphasis placed on age appropriate book selection. Story connections are made between library class and their classroom unit of inquiry when authentically possible. The young students are introduced to specific authors, illustrators and award winning books. Fairy tales, folk tales, tall tales and legends are also explored. All students may visit the library throughout the week between scheduled class visits for book exchange.
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