Kindergarten
Math
Math instruction in kindergarten consists of exploration around numbers and patterns as well as working collaboratively to solve math problems. The teacher’s role is to serve as a mentor / guide and ask questions in order for students to explain the strategies they use and their thought processes. Our mathematical focus is on having a growth mindset using math challenges to help our students grow and learn. The units of mathematical study in kindergarten are counting, shapes, quantity discrimination, addition, subtraction, place value, and measurement.
ELA
ELA instruction in kindergarten incorporates both reading and writing. The writing curriculum used is Schoolwide. There are four units of study that focus on how writers work, functional writing(lists, letters, posters and signs, etc.), personal narratives, and how-two writing. The goal is for students to be able to write an independent sentence using proper punctuation, spacing, and capitalization by the end of the school year. The Fountas & Pinnell curriculum is used for our literacy instruction. Through the use of interactive read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, word study, and phonics instruction students engage in whole-group, small-group, and independent reading activities. Students transition from learning letters and sounds to sight word identification, and eventually to independent reading. Another curriculum used in kindergarten is Heggerty. This curriculum is used daily to support phonemic and phonological awareness in students.
Social Studies
The social studies theme for kindergarten is: My Social World. We use the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt student magazines to support each unit. Our first semester units focus on rules, our community and its helpers, transportation and how it has evolved over time and why, and needs vs. wants. During the second semester our units of study will focus on holidays and traditions, what makes a good leader and some examples from history, the role climate and weather plays in our world, and what it looks like to be responsible.
Science
Students are expected to develop an understanding of patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. Students will be able to apply an understanding of the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object to analyze a design solution. Students are also expected to develop understanding of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive and the relationship between their needs and where they live. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, engaging in arguments from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.