Kindergarten Program

The most significant academic work done in Kindergarten will be in the area of reading readiness. Children will participate in many activities and lessons that prepare them for reading. Reading readiness is an essential part of the kindergarten experience and one that should be taken seriously by both student and parents. A significant aspect of reading readiness is learning sound/symbol associations. All letters will be taught by the end of the second month of school. Students will begin with a brief introduction of each letter and then move on to letter sounds and proper formation. By the end of kindergarten, most students will be reading.

The development of fine motor skills in preparation for first grade is also an important part of kindergarten. Students will have many opportunities to use pencils, crayons, and scissors and will be instructed as to their proper usage.

Kindergartners will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them make the adjustment to the school environment and working in a group. It is important that children learn to function well in the classroom environment. This includes getting along with other children and cooperating with adults other than their own parents. Kindergartners will learn to take turns and wait without interrupting. They also will work diligently to develop their listening skills.

Our moral focus program begins in Kindergarten. Students will be introduced to monthly virtues and keywords through the use of stories and role-playing, as well as teaching by example. Kindergarteners will also attend Specials classes once a week for 30 minutes. Specials include art, music, physical education, library, and computers. All Special classes will be taught by certified teachers who are experts in their field.

Assessments

The classroom teacher will consistently monitor each child’s progress, starting at the beginning of the school year and continuing throughout the year. Teachers will give one-on-one assessments on a regular basis and will also be attentive to the daily work each child completes in the classroom. The information gained through these assessments will be used to tailor the program to meet the needs of each individual child.