Language Arts
Kindergarten uses the Macmillan/McGraw Hill Reading Curriculum. We know that each child has his/her own rate of growth and development and during these early stages of literacy, our goals for Kindergarten are for children to: 1) develop a love of books, 2) care for and use books properly, 3) love being read to, 4) desire to read, 5) appreciate literature, and 6) gain pleasure in listening to tapes and following along in storybooks.
Our approach to literacy is one that integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on research, observation, and experience, we know that a productive reading/writing program includes generous amounts of:
1. Good literature including all genres – poetry, fiction, factual/informative material
2. Structured, planned, direct teaching of word recognition skills including phonemic awareness (sounds in words), concepts of print, phonics, syllabication and sequence, high-frequency words and strategies for figuring out words. Phonics skills are taught in sequence using books and materials whose text requires those specific phonics skills.
Mathematics
In Kindergarten, Christ Church School uses the Everyday Math program. This program places a strong emphasis on the development of mathematical concepts. Kindergarten students are encouraged to construct meanings based on physical experience with a wide variety of manipulatives. The application of mathematics as a practical, useful subject is also emphasized. Reading, writing and drawing opportunities are integrated into the math program and contribute to the children’s mathematical development.
Science
Science activities in Kindergarten capitalize on the children’s natural curiosity of their environment. Students are exposed to life science, physical science, and Earth science. Kindergarten students learn about scientific exploration through estimating, hypothesizing, sorting, classifying, sequencing, graphing, experimenting, questioning, and drawing conclusions.
Social Studies
Kindergarten students are exposed to history, geography and civics. They learn to say the Pledge of Allegiance, recognize the flag as a U.S. symbol, identify the U.S. on a map, and learn about some of our history and our Presidents. Citizen participation skills are nurtured and guided as students learn to make appropriate choices and decisions as individuals and as part of a group. They learn how to work cooperatively and why it is important to follow school and community rules. School-wide service projects during the year seek to involve the Kindergarten students in helping others in need while teaching the children about responsible citizenship.
