I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Kindergarten.  The following Kindergarten Program has been implemented since school began.

THE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

LANGUAGE ARTS:  The children are engaged in a shared reading experience which allows them to enjoy listening to books while they informally gain a meaningful understanding of print concepts.  The children are also exposed to different genres such as poems, songs and nursery rhymes.  They will be making books throughout the year.

During writing time the children learn the letters of the alphabet using Slingerland Method.  This is a multisensory approach to reading, writing and spelling.  The children also work in their journals.  They draw a picture and tell the teacher about the picture.  Then the teacher writes their sentence on the page.

Several computer programs will be used this year.  The children will be using a variety of computer software to meet their needs.

MATH: The children are exposed to math language and math concepts, and have numerous opportunities to count and work with numerals.  They use math manipulatives that provide concrete models for abstract concepts.  The children develop ways to communicate their mathematical thinking while their enjoyment and appreciation of mathematics grows.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES:  Our science units are simple, inquiry-based monthly topics covering observations and experiments.  In social studies, the children study aspects of the world around them.  They begin to develop a sense of present and past as it relates to their local environment and the world that they know.  The topics focus on self, family, school and community.

SOCIALIZATION:  The children participate in morning Meeting and Free Time during the school day.  Morning Meeting creates a community, fosters responsive interactions and teaches the skills of social development.  Free Time encourages choice, self expression, problem solving and small group interaction.  Children are successful in school when their social and academic needs are addressed.

BIG FRIEND, LITTLE FRIEND:  The program provides regular opportunities for sixth graders and kindergarten children to come together for academic and co-curricular activities.

Melissa Knipes, K/1 Teacher