In Kindergarten, we are not bound to a single curriculum, text or instructional material. In fact, we are open to research many different models and approaches to best teach our students. As a team, we develop and create lessons and activities based on the standards set by California, as well as the abilities of the students in our classes. Our teacher-created curriculum allows creative, open-ended activities and allows for differentiation to be embedded in our classrooms each and every day. All standards can be found at https://www.cde.ca.gov/RE/cc/
Wilson FUNdations
The Fundations program provides K-3 students with the foundational skills for reading and spelling. As part of the core language arts instruction, it’s delivered to all students in general education classrooms for 30-35 minutes per day. Fundations is supplemental to the core and provides a systematic program to comprehensively address foundational Word Study Skills such as:
Print concepts (a child's understanding of the nature and uses of print; the understanding that written language carries meaning)
Phonological and phonemic awareness (phonological awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate units of oral language—parts such as words and syllables; phonemic awareness is the ability to focus on and manipulate individual sounds [phonemes] in spoken words)
Phonics and word study, including high frequency sight words (the ability to recognize the relationship between letters [graphemes] and sounds [phonemes] and letter patterns)
Fluency (the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression)
Comprehension, Spelling, and Handwriting Skills
Additionally, Fundations significantly reinforces comprehension and vocabulary in an integrated approach.
Eureka Squared
Eureka Math Squared (also known as Eureka Math²™) is a comprehensive, knowledge-building mathematics curriculum developed by Great Minds for Prekindergarten through Algebra I. It enhances the original Eureka Math by adding digital interactives, open-ended lessons, and new routines to improve student engagement and understanding through a blend of print and digital resources. The curriculum is structured as a coherent story, with a focus on conceptual understanding, supported by consistent visual models like tape diagrams and number bonds to help students understand the "why" behind mathematics.
Social Emotional Learning
Students explore the Zones of Regulation and Toolbox to learn to identify and understand their emotions and to self-regulate when needed. They participate in Community Circle as well as discussions and activities related to our school-wide Social Justice Initiative. These practices facilitate positive social interactions while discussing feelings, emotions and various strategies to handle them all.
Music, Art, P.E. & Library
We have a designated time slot each week for Music, Art, PE, and a trip to the school Library. When at the library, we listen to stories from our librarian and learn to browse books.