Embedded Files
ELA
We have several different components in our Language Arts Curriculum: ELA Core, Heggerty, Fundations, and Writing. We instruct phonemic awareness (verbal sounds) and phonics (letters/words in print), storytelling and read-alouds, the introduction of letters and sounds, and writing. We try to write in some way every day. It might be shared, guided, or independent.
During writing time, the students are expected to do several things: stretch out the words to hear the beginning, middle, and end sounds, use spaces between the words, use punctuation (.!?), use an uppercase letter at the beginning of a sentence, use the word wall to spell words, write at least 1-2 sentences, and match the picture to the story.
Our handwriting component is called Fundations which teaches students how to form their letters by using lines with key words. The sky line, plane line, grass line and worm line tell the students where to start and where to end each letter. We also use special words such as down, across, slide, hump, and around to tell them what kind of lines to make. This helps the students to form the letters correctly and make them look nice while doing so.
We focus a lot on letters, letter sounds, proper formation of letters, and writing during the first half of the year. It will look different for all students but may include letter work, sound manipulation, word work, reading, writing, etc. At the beginning of the second semester, we will begin guided reading groups for all students! Yes, reading! We are always reading simple, repetitive texts but as the year progresses we will be doing a lot more with reading. Guided reading groups have more individualized instruction and students are reading books based on their level of need.
High-Frequency Trick Words
High-Frequency Trick Words
Activities for learning high-frequency words:
Activities for learning high-frequency words:
play bingo with the words
practice writing the words in shaving cream or in a baggie filled with hair gel
sight word basketball (write words on scrap paper, if you get the word correct, crumble the paper into a ball and toss it into the trashcan)
swat the word (post-it notes with sight words written on them and attached to the wall, floor, or table, the adult calls out a word, the student finds it and swats it with a fly swatter)
multi-sensory activities (see this website for ideas http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/03/learning-sight-words/)
Trick-Words.pdfList of 27 Kindergarten Trick Words
Word-Games.pdfWord Games to play with Trick Words
MATH
Our main program is called Eureka. The concepts of our curriculum, which are the topics we will investigate during the year are number recognition (0-100), counting (1:1), graphing, grouping, sorting and classifying, shapes (2D and 3D), patterning, measurement, and addition and subtraction.
Math in kindergarten is very hands-on! We use many manipulatives such as unifix cubes, teddy bear counters, chain links, attribute buttons, pattern blocks, and other fun manipulatives to make learning mathematical concepts interesting and meaningful. Eureka also has worksheets to go along with each topic that the students will complete in class with me. We will follow an “I do, we do, you do” approach to instruction. I will show the students the concept, and we will do some things together, then you (the students) will complete the remaining tasks on your own. If our worksheets have 2 sides, we follow the "must do" and "can do" rule. The first side, the students must do and the back side, the students can do if time allows.
Ever wonder how to teach your child how to form his or her numbers in a fun and memorable way? Use the Number Rhymes below to help your child learn proper formation.
Number-Rhymes.pdfScience
The new set of STEELS standards (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) will be set to roll out during the 2025-2026 school year. I am a part of the kindergarten curriculum writing team so we are piloting the new curriculum during our current school year. Our kindergarten units are as follows:
Weather and Sunlight
Pushes and Pulls
Plants and Animals
Social Studies
Our main focus of Social Studies is the 5 Themes of Geography (Location, Place, Movement, Region, and Human-Environment Interaction). We also include the following topics:
Self/Family
Community Helpers
Holidays
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