Kindergarten Curriculum Summary

KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM SUMMARY

Reading/Language Arts

The Scott Foresman Reading Street program provides a comprehensive research-based approach to reading that meets the needs of a wide range of abilities in kindergarten. Priority skills for readers and non-readers are presented in a systematic sequence of instruction in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, oral vocabulary, and text comprehension. The program draws from children’s literature organized around six themes: 1) All Together Now 2) Look at Us 3) Changes All Around Us 4) Let’s Go Exploring 5) Going Places 6) Putting It Together. Fiction and nonfiction selections along with informational text support both science and social studies. Student progress is monitored regularly and instruction is differentiated according to student needs. Key components of Reading Street include writing, spelling, grammar, and study skills.

The writing component of Reading Street is used in conjunction with the Empowering Writers program. Empowering Writers builds awareness of writing through reading experiences. Students learn that writing is a process that considers the developmental stages of writing. Students learn by using their "Author's Eyes" the process of writing. Students learn Beginning, Middle and End, moving to Elaborate Detail with teacher modeling. Lively letters, a phonics curriculum, provides powerful mnemonics (memory aids) through the combined use of pictures and imagery, humorous, stories, hand cues, and oral kinesthetic (mouth movement) cues. This is a fun, dynamic, teacher and student-friendly program that uses lively letter characters with personalities that are embedded directly into the letter shapes.
Handwriting Without Tears is a research-based handwriting curriculum that offers a developmentally appropriate approach, including a variety of hands-on materials that entice children to learn. This multi-sensory program offers a developmental progression that builds on what children already know while respecting individual learning styles.

Fundations is a multisensory and systematic phonic program in place from K-3.  Students learn the sound symbol relationships and apply them to reading and spelling.

Mathematics

Bridges Math Program

Science

The Scott Foresman Science program introduces scientific methods and process skills for science inquiry, even at the kindergarten level. Hands-on learning experiences in life science, earth science, physical science, and space and technology are provided. The children have opportunities to make hypotheses, collect and record data, and draw conclusions. Reading and math literacy skills are integrated in the science curriculum. Children also have the opportunity to explore our own Osgood Nature Trail.

Technology

Students visit the computer lab each week, where activities afford the students opportunities to develop early computer skills as well as literacy skills. Students create graphics and use software that personalize and support their learning. Supervised Internet access is also a part of the technology program along with Promethean Board activities. The Promethean Board is an interactive white board that is a highly motivational tool for learning. It enhances instruction and allows teachers and children to manipulate information and images directly on an electromagnetic board or with an electronic pen. CLICK HERE for more details

Library/Information Literacy

A weekly library program offers initial exposure to library materials, authors, and resources, as well as lessons from classic and contemporary age-appropriate literature. Children begin to learn how to locate resources in a library.

Social Studies

The Scott Foresman Social Studies program is designed to extend the reading curriculum. Reading instruction and content are combined in units of study that include the story of our nation, families and cultures, and the world. Unit topics include Who We Are, Communities, Work, Our Earth, and The U.S.A. Teachers provide opportunities for students to make connections between social studies and other areas of the curriculum.

Music

Students perform, create, and respond to music through singing, reading and notation, playing instruments, and improvisation. Students enjoy preparing for holiday and end-of-year performances for parents.

Art

Shape, color, line, space, texture, value, and form are incorporated into the classroom art program. Students engage in projects connected to classroom themes and curriculum topics. Art lessons may incorporate reading vocabulary and literature to support students’ literacy experiences.

Physical Education

A developmental approach incorporates age-appropriate skills and knowledge in the areas of games, dance, gymnastics, and health-related fitness. Some activities are provided to support curriculum themes through creative movement. An equal emphasis is placed on each child’s personal and social development.