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| Kindergarten performs a play each year. |
Language Arts
The Kindergarten language arts program is incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum. East Woods believes that language arts should be taught in a way that is enjoyable and relevant to the students. The children’s everyday experiences, along with chosen themes, are used to develop a meaningful program, which challenges each child. Language Arts is integrated into the daily Kindergarten routine through a myriad of creative activities. The following activities are routinely presented throughout the school year:
Morning Letter: letter/sound identification, word recognition, decoding, capitalization, punctuation, spacing, sentence structure, content, choral reading, estimation
Calendar: word recognition, number recognition, number sequencing, recitation
Literature (teacher read): respect and appreciation, print concepts, layout, receptive/expressive language, analysis, personal reaction, attention span
Wilson’s Fundations Program: sound, symbol cards, “tapping out”, magnetic tile boards, Reading Series (picture supported predictable text) Scott Foresman Reading Series 2002, receptive language, expressive language, tracking print, directionality, spacing, punctuation, reading strategies, choral reading, memorization, letter/sound identification, fluency, independent/shared reading, comprehension, O.T.T.E.R (Our Time To Enjoy Reading), free choice, relaxed peaceful environment, independent/shared reading
Alphabet Days (featured letter of the week): word list – individual student dictionary, literature, language arts centers, handwriting letter of the week, songs, snack,
Writer’s Workshop: appropriate use of materials, illustration, topical writing, directionality, approximate spelling, sight words, spacing, capitalization, punctuation (period), appropriate use of space, detail (illustration/writing)
Handwriting D’Nealian Scott Foresman: writing position, pencil grip, fine motor control
Mathematics
As with language arts, it is important for mathematical concepts to be woven into all curriculum areas. Recognizing that children enter Kindergarten with varying degrees of mathematical experience, the Scott Foresman program offers opportunities to further individual student knowledge. Through the use of manipulatives and repeated practice, students will develop a clearer understanding of math and its role in everyday life. In addition, this program fosters critical thinking and problem solving. In order to deliver the best possible math experience, the Scott Foresman Kindergarten Math workbook is supplemented as needed. The Kindergarten math curriculum consists of the following components: sorting and classifying, patterns, matching and counting, numbers zero - twenty, shapes, measurement, time, simple addition and subtraction
Calendar: number recognition, number formation, sequencing, place value, patterns, number comparison, problem solving
Days in School: number recognition, number formation, sequencing, place value, patterns, skip counting, number comparison, one-hundredth day celebration
Graphing: types of graphs, horizontal/vertical, concepts of most, least, creating and interpreting, prediction, comparison
Science
Thematic involvement is the guiding force behind the Kindergarten science curriculum. Each of the themes covered in the Scott Foresman curriculum uses a multi-sensory approach. The four major chapters included in the curriculum are: Life Science, Technology, Earth Science and Physical Science. By immersing the children in various hands-on experiences in small groups, their natural curiosity is stimulated, thus allowing much information to be assimilated. The overall goal of the program is to nurture in children a growing respect for their environment and the world around them. In addition, Kindergarten participates in a 12 week, whole group, science lab called ALPS.
Needs of Organism
•Identify nonliving things
•Identify living things
•Recognize that plants and animals are living things
•Living things have basic needs
•Need water, sunlight, food, space, and air
•Living things grow and change
•Observe the life cycle of a plant
•Observe the life cycle of an animal
Growing and changing
•Living things grow and change
•Similarities and differences between infants and adults
•Similarities and differences between plants
•Observe the life cycle of a plant
•Observe the life cycle of an animal
•Movement of animals
•Reasons for animal movements
Weather and Seasons
•Identity seasonal weather
•Match temperatures to proper seasons
•Sequence patterns of weather
Matter
•Describe physical characteristics of objects
•Classify by size, shape, and color
•Predict objects though the use of senses
•Identify objects’ functions
•Distinguish between solid, liquid, and gases
Heat and Light
•Sun provides our heat and light
•Shadows
•Batteries provide energy
•Can light travel though matter?
How Things Move
•Identify causes of motion
•Sequence events of motion
•Compare speeds of objects and organisms
•Magnetic pulls
Day and Night
•Compare day and night
•Identify objects in the sky
How things work
•What are machines?
•How does a machine work?
•Types of machines
•Pulleys and levers
Social Studies
Through the social studies curriculum, East Woods aim is to expand each child’s view of the world and his/her position in it. As an ongoing process, every aspect of classroom life provides opportunities to increase student awareness and, in turn, strengthen character development. This curriculum includes:
Me Days: self, family, culture, photographs/videos, hobbies, collections, literature, snack, project/activity
Character Education: character education wall, discussion/ expression, role-playing, literature, Golden Rule. The character traits discussed include compassion, tolerance, cooperation, patience, friendship and good judgment.
Cultural Celebrations: holidays, festivals, personal connections
Current Events: appropriate world news, discussions, Scholastic, Let’s Find Out