In Kindergarten, the students are learning social and academic skills that they will use for life. I believe children learn best by doing, and they will use these experiences as building blocks in acquiring new skills. In our classroom, each day is filled with a wide variety of learning centers where every skill is integrated. By providing all these opportunities to learn, the children will be on their way to developing a lifelong love of learning.
Language Arts - The children come to kindergarten with a wide range of abilities. As part of our curriculum, I enhance each child’s strengths and improve upon areas that need developing. During the first semester, I teach the sound/symbol relationship and the concept of blending those sounds. New sight words are introduced each month. On the second semester, the children become independent readers and writers. Throughout the year, literary and comprehension skills are developed.
To accomplish California standards, I provide a balanced literacy program through Guided Reading and Interactive Writing.
Math – In Math, we use Singapore Math, a new approach that develops in-depth mathematical understanding through concept building activities, unique mental math strategies, problem solving methods, and guided lessons. We accomplish all of these skills by using manipulatives and hands-on activities to build concrete understanding.
Science and Social Studies - In Science, we focus on an introduction to the four areas: biological; health; physical and environmental with many hands-on experiences. In Social Studies, the curriculum centers on learning about oneself, families, neighborhoods, and communities. Time is also spent learning about holidays, famous figures in history, and foreign countries.
Technology - The children visit the computer lab twice a week and have opportunities to use the classroom computer. The computer not only supplements the academic program, but students learn tools necessary in the BEYOND Technology program. This program helps the students learn the proper terminology for common parts of the computer and program tools. The children will use Print Shop, Microsoft Word, Kid Pix and Read, Write, & Type. These programs teach word processing, graphic skills, and the location of the alphabet and numbers.
Kindergarten at CCDS is an all day program. We also provide special classes: Spiritual Development, Chapel, Music, Art, Spanish, and Physical Education throughout the week. Quiet time, recess, experiments, cooking, sewing, messy and art projects are incorporated into the afternoon activities. Communicating with parents is a vital link to a child’s successful school experience. There will be many opportunities for interested parents to help. I keep parents up to date by writing a weekly newsletter in our secure website, or by email or by sending home a letter with class news. Educating your child is a team effort, and we’ll work together to ensure that each child has a rewarding and enjoyable year.