Kindergarten

All-Day Program: Readiness for Kindergarten is different for each child. Academic readiness is knowledge of letters, sounds, and numeration. School readiness is the ability to attend to tasks for a specific period of time, to work independently and in small groups, to get along easily with others, to follow directions with some accuracy, etc. The readiness is developmental in nature and cannot be taught. It can be modeled and encouraged, but in the end it happens to most children when they are ready. Just as most children learn to walk, talk, and use the bathroom when they are ready, so too, they are ready for school in their own individual time. The all-day program is developmentally appropriate and is not intended as a pre-first grade. It is Kindergarten, and the program is a reflection of developmental philosophies.

The Daily Schedule includes,

• Morning Work: usually a duplicated paper waiting at their seats.

• Opening Exercises: prayer, the Pledge, calendar activities, special news, etc.

• Religion: God loves us! We learn about our faith through bible stories and activities.

• Language: literature-based program integrating letter recognition and sound association, writing, sight words and literary elements on a particular theme, involving many curricular areas.

• Math: number recognition and number sense, qualifying vocabulary, measurement, simple addition and subtraction and money recognition.

• Outdoor Play: develops gross motor skills and conflict resolution.

• Unit Theme: found in both science and social studies. In science we cover the five senses, seasons, living and non-living things, nutrition, good health habits, plants and space. In social studies we cover self-worth, families, neighborhoods, special Americans, community helpers, map skills and holidays.

• Unit Activity: emphasizes following directions and fine motor skills.

• Games, Music, and Musical Activities: gross motor skills, following directions and listening skills are emphasized.

• Critical Thinking, Social Development and Cooperative Listening Activities

• Special Instruction in the Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education, Library and Computer

• Journal

We judge the value of play more by its process than by its results. Learning to be a good loser and a fair opponent is useful; learning to cooperate for a common goal is as important. Children play each day...it is their work! Our program serves as a model for other schools striving to provide a child-centered experience designed to excite young children and initiate them into the wonderful world of education.