|
|
 |
Language Arts As a child exhibits the readiness to read, an individualized program is begun, keeping in mind the child’s level of development and accommodating the program to meet his/her needs. As a child demonstrates readiness for paper and pencil, writing is introduced. Phonics provides the foundation for reading and writing at Grace Episcopal School, supplemented by strategies that support comprehension skills, decoding skills and most importantly instill in children a lifelong love of reading. Children are grouped according to developmental readiness. An emergent reading series is used in Kindergarten, with phonics, inventive spelling, journal writing, creative writing, oral communication, listening, creative dramatics and reading integrated into our language arts program. Constant interaction between students and staff helps teachers evaluate individual needs continuously. Children visit the library weekly. Computers are an additional language arts resource used within the classroom. The texts used for Language Arts are:
Mathematics Kindergarten uses two manipulative-based math series. These series help children progress from concrete to abstract mathematical thinking. Hands on experiences and games that further the child’s understanding of math concepts are emphasized. These activities include counting sets, simple addition and subtraction, shapes, time concepts, money, patterns, estimating and exploring spatial relations through the use of blocks. Computer programs are used to stress logical thinking, as well as reinforce basic concepts. The texts used for Math are:
Social Studies The focal point of our Kindergarten program is the study of the family and how communities are formed and integrated into our lives. Family structures and multi-cultural traditions are discussed and exciting projects are developed to help children understand what their families have in common, as well as how they differ. Individual and family responsibility and group cooperation are stressed. Literature, food, clothing, dramatic play and holiday traditions are some of the vehicles used to help understand other cultures. The texts used for Social Studies are:
Science The science curriculum is designed to expose children to developmentally appropriate activities that make science exciting and meaningful. We provide opportunities for children to experience science through the five senses, and we introduce the skills of observation, predicting, and recording data. Students begin with simple observations and experiments while studying various units on plants, animals, the ecology, matter, energy, space, earth, weather and the human body. Using scientific method, students group and classify objects by their properties. Supplementing this basic curriculum is the Full Option Science System (FOSS) by Delta Educational Products. These modular units provide an inquiry based collaborative learning program that offers high-quality life science, earth science and physical science hands on experimentation. In Kindergarten, these units will focus on Animals, Trees and Paper. The mobility of these modules provides versatility for use in many settings, including the outdoors. Using our park-like setting, we focus on the environment to integrate our hands on approach to science. The texts used for Science are:
Additional Academic Subjects Kindergarten students also receive instruction in Spanish, music/performing arts, computer/technology, religion, and library with special curriculum teachers. These subjects are detailed later in this publication.
|
