Kindergarten

Focus:

Reading focuses on developing strong blending, decoding, and fluency skills while also building comprehension. Read-alouds build background knowledge and listening comprehension.

Word Work: 

Students learn the letters of the alphabet, one sound for each letter, and then apply their new skills to blend letter-sounds to read and write words and sentences.

Textbooks: SuperKids and Explode the Code.

Leveled readers, high-frequency words, and reading groups start the second half of the year.

Writing

Students begin the year learning the basic mechanics and aspects of the writing process. Students develop fine motor skills as they learn proper letter and number formation. Instruction progresses from drawing to writing in each major text type. Students are encouraged to put letters and sounds together to create words and eventually sentences.

Grammar

 In Kindergarten, the focus is on capitalization, punctuation, nouns, and verbs.

Textbook: Superkids

Focus: Our program uses manipulatives, problem solving and teaches basic math skills including addition, subtraction, shapes, patterns, and number sense.   

Textbook: Math in Focus; Math Manipulative and Enrichment Materials; Calendar Math, Independent math packets 

Focus: Life, Earth, and Physical Science provide a variety of learning experiences that promote students’ understanding of themselves and their environment.  Active participation is encouraged in the learning process. 

Textbook: Nancy Larson 

Focus: Citizenship, Then and Now, Holidays Around the World, Our World, Our Community, America and Native Americans. We introduce students to our role in the community, different types of jobs and careers, and the importance of earning and saving money.

Textbook: Little Social Studies Thinkers Curriculum 

Focus

In Kindergarten we focus on learning about Jesus and the Holy Family. We attend Mass 3 times per month and learn required kindergarten prayers.  We say the Our Father, Hail Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Guardian Angel, Before and After meal prayers.

Textbook: Spirit of Truth and Benzinger Family Life

• Art 2 times/week - in the Art Room with the Art Teacher

• Music 2 times/week - in the Music Room with the Music Teacher

• PE 2 times/week - in the Gym with the PE Teacher

• Library 1 time/week - in the Library with the School Librarian

• Spanish 1 time/week - in the homerooms with the Primary Grades Spanish Teacher 

• Social Emotional Learning  1 time/week - in the homerooms using the Second Step Curriculum and Kelso's Choices

• Animal Research Project
• "In-house" field trips include a visit from the Reptile Man and Kids Quest
• Christmas Nativity Play
• School Families and Buddies
• Polar Express Party 
• Peacemaker Program
• Lead an all school Mass