KINDERGARTEN

OVERVIEW

READING

In kindergarten, students understand and apply concepts of print, phonological and phonemic awareness. They expand their oral language skills and gain meaningful vocabulary for reading. Students demonstrate comprehension by participating in avariety of responses when listening to or viewing informational and literary text. They are interested in a variety of books.

WRITING

By the end of kindergarten most students will know the names and sounds of the letters and be aware of their importance when composing text. They form some words beginning with accurate consonant sounds. Much of the writing will be about themselves, their families, pets, and friends. Writing may be presented in simple sentences, often with the same structure repeated within a piece or used in several pieces.
A Quick Check:

Does the student:
• Realize that ideas and thoughts are communicated in writing?
• Form letters; show increasing knowledge of letters, sounds, and patterns?
• Use some spelling, punctuation, and directionality conventions?
• Draft simple sentences reflecting own experiences and understanding?
• Choose to write for own satisfaction?

MATH

In kindergarten, students begin developing the concept of number by counting, representing and ordering, combining, sorting, and comparing sets of objects. They understand addition as putting sets together. In describing and identifying objects based on attributes and recognizing and describing simple repeating patterns, students develop a beginning sense of geometry and algebra. They also develop an understanding of the relationship between data and picture representations of the data.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In kindergarten the main focus is individual development and identity.

The themes are

A. Learning About Myself and My Classroom Community

B. The Food We Eat

C. Related Social Studies Skills

 

SCIENCE

In kindergarten students begin their scientific inquiry. They understand scientists observe carefully and ask questions. Students develop the skills of observing, sorting, identifying parts and begin using scientific tools to understand the natural world. The guiding question is "How do we (as scientists) explore and observe our natural world?" The investigative skills of exploring, observing, and sorting are explored.