Kindergarten

Beliefs and Expectations for Kindergarteners

Reading Beliefs

We believe Kindergarteners:

    • should identify letters (capital/lowercase).
    • should identify letter sounds.
    • need to engage in phonemic awareness lessons.
    • have direct instruction with sight words/word work.
    • build reading stamina to 20 minutes during independent reading time.
    • should be reading.
    • should be writing about reading.
    • need read alouds daily.
    • need small group instruction/guided reading or one-on-one conferring daily.

Reading Expectations

    • uninterrupted block for reading
    • each student needs a book box
    • word wall

Writing Beliefs

We believe Kindergarteners:

    • should be engaged in writing every day.
    • should be exposed to different mentor texts to experience various genres (writing craft).
    • should experience with different writing supplies (pens, stapler, tape, various paper).
    • be taught letter formation.
    • see their teachers writing/modeling writing.

Writing Expectations

    • every student needs a journal or writing folder
    • each student enjoys time for free write
    • shared and interactive writing
    • uses resources (ABC chart, letter books, word wall).
    • Word Wall
    • writing 5 times a week
    • exposed to different genres
  • taught handwriting
  • watching and participating in shared and interactive writing