The kindergarten curriculum includes the following subject areas: Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Music, Physical Education, Directed Play and Free Play.
Religion is a vital part of the Catholic School Kindergarten program. From life experiences children learn the meaning of love and being loved in a family setting. Kindergarten children begin to realize that they are special not only in their own family, but in God's family. Children are introduced to the loving goodness of God as shown in the gifts of creation and through His greatest gift, Jesus. We participate in daily prayer, service projects and attend all school Masses.
Language Arts includes listening, speaking, handwriting, spelling, language, composition, reading, literature and media. These skills are integrated into our total kindergarten program. Listening, speaking and reading readiness encompass a large part of our day.
Listening - children listen to note important details in sentences and short paragraphs. We progress to listening to longer selections and stories to predict story outcomes, compare and contrast different stories, recall story sequence, and retell complete stories.
Speaking- children talk about themselves, discuss stories, participate in show and tell experiences and role play.
Reading Readiness- includes activities that develop alphabet and phonics skills like letter recognition, letter sound recognition, and blending sounds to read short words. It also includes activities to teach sight word vocabulary, sequencing story details, increase vocabulary and develop skills to understand new words in context, but most of all foster a love of reading.
By the end of the year we are reading short stories, writing and illustrating sentences!
Math readiness is best acquired through informal group activities and planned experiences that involve discoveries, games, and manipulatives. Manipulatives can be things like counters, popsicle sticks, cubes, shapes and dominoes. Math skills includes rote counting to 100, recognition and understanding the numbers 0-20, addition and subtraction, geometric shapes, comparisons and measurements.
Science is our attempt to understand ourselves and the natural world around us. Through our science curriculum we explore our world using our senses. Children begin to develop observational skills, record events in sequence and use reasoning skills to predict and test hypotheses.
Social Studies includes geography, history, world cultures, citizenship, government, economics and sociology. Children learn about different cultures through stories, videos, pictures and discussions. We look at maps and globes and learn about different countries. Children learn about our country and our flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. We learn about and practice proper social behaviors-taking turns, sharing, and acquiring skills of leadership and fellowship.
Health lessons help children take care of themselves physically, mentally and socially. A few of our activities include Healthy Bodies (eating healthy, sleeping enough, exercising) Feelings, and Fire Safety.
Music includes children singing, listening to various kinds of music, using rhythm instruments, and responding creatively to music through movement or art. Children participate in learning experiences which enable them to begin to develop their best singing voice, establish good listening habits, build a repertoire of many types of songs and participate in action songs and singing games. We have a Christmas Concert in December.
Physical Education is an integral part of a young child's growth. Children should progress at their own rate in developing physical skills, enjoying physical activities, improving physical fitness, building motor coordination, and developing a positive self-concept. Children participate in P.E. class twice a week and recess and free play daily.
Directed Play and Free Play, both indoor and outdoor, are outlets for joyous times to exercise, engage in practical learning, and build motor coordination. Lessons about fair play, following directions, sharing, and cooperation are learned. Play helps children explore and examine the world. Through these experiences children learn to socialize and cope with their emotions. Many things are learned through play - a few very important skills I see are the children's growing ability to face challenges and create solutions.
Reading this over, I am sure a few things will change due to COVID-19. I do not think we will be having a Christmas Concert this year. I think attending Mass will be discussed and play time will absolutely continue but it will look a little different.
