CURRICULUM
RELIGION – “FAITH FIRST” AND THE “PROMISE” MAGAZINE
Our Religion series, published by RCL, is based on doctrines of our Catholic faith. Stories from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus are emphasized. An additional feature this series offers will be Bible based mini-books.
The “Promise” magazine is based on the Gospel Readings for the upcoming Sunday. Starting in October your child will bring home this magazine every week. It offers numerous activities and readings.
Religious holidays are very special times in Kindergarten. During Advent we will bring home an Advent chain to “count” the days until Christmas. We also have the children bring in “hay for baby Jesus.” On the hay is written a special activity for the children to do as a gift for Jesus. During Lent children color in spaces on a cross when they do a kind deed as a gift for Jesus. During the month of May we honor Mary and learn the Rosary.
MATH – HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN
In our Math program we strive to have a child-centered program based on age-appropriate activities. We use manipulative materials to develop concepts.
Math units are: (1) classification and patterns, (2) introducing numbers, (3) geometry, fraction, and probability, (4) numbers through 12, (5) time and money, (6) measurement, (7) addition and subtraction, and (8) greater numbers.
We also incorporate “Math-Their-Way” into the curriculum. This program approaches concepts through a kinesthetic approach. Key concepts emphasized throughout the year include sorting, classifying, patterning, graphing, and estimating.
SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN
The four science units are: (1) Life Science, (2) Physical Science, (3) Earth Science, and (4) The Human Body. In Life Science we will study living and non-living things, animals and plants. In Physical Science we learn about matter, sound, heat, light, and movement. In Earth Science we learn about the earth, sky, and weather. We also learn about caring for our earth. In the Human Body unit we learn about our senses, growing, and healthy habits. Our goals are to provide exciting and accessible science for all students. As often as possible we strive to provide a “hands-on” approach in experiencing science.
SOCIAL STUDIES – HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN
The Social Studies program helps students gain new insights into their communities and make connections to a larger world. Culture, geography, economics, history, and citizenship are key components in this program.
The four units in Kindergarten are: (1) Families and Friends, (2) A Big Wide World, (3) Long Ago and Today, and (4) Our Country, It’s A Great Place. Each unit has special literature and historical connections.
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS – MACMILLAN/MCGRAW-HILL
The language arts program is based on a phonetic approach. It concentrates on one letter/sound a week. A unique feature in introducing a letter sound in this program is that the letter sound is learned at the beginning, middle or end of a word. There are six units and within the first unit the children will be introduced to blending sounds and begin leveled books. Every student learns the same concepts, skills, and vocabulary. It also provides reviews of concepts, skills and vocabulary at different levels. Writing is an integral component of this program.
The global themes for each grade level are experience, connections, expression, inquiry, problem solving, and making decisions. In Kindergarten our themes (units) are:
1. My World
2. All Kinds of Friends
3. Time to Share
4. I Wonder
5. Let’s Work It Out
6. Choices
Each reading unit has four to five mini-books to compliment the theme. When your child brings home these books please save them and read a different one each night as part of your bedtime story routine. You will have a wonderful collection by the end of the school year!
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES – THEMATIC UNITS
This year we will also include the following themes: Native American Day (November), Dinosaurs (January), Post Office (operated by the children the first two weeks in February), and the Life Cycle of the Butterfly (after Easter).
KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE
The morning schedule starts with daily prayer and introduction to centers. Morning centers include the following: Writing, Reading, Phonemic Awareness activities, Math, Computers, painting/drawing, and art activities. At morning recess we have our first snack.
Our afternoon schedule includes a brief rest/transition time after lunch. Afternoon activities include Religion, Social Studies, Science, and dramatic play. We have an afternoon recess and snack.
We also have a variety of “special classes” such as P.E., Art, Spanish, Computer, and Music. These are offered in the morning or afternoon on a rotating basis.
Our school Mass is once a week, usually on Friday and on holy days as well. Each class in the school has a buddy class to sit with at Mass. Kindergarten has fourth grade as our “buddies.”
