Kindergarten
Kindergarten Key Facts
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Kindergarten Curriculum
Literacy
Students are immersed in a language and print-rich environment, emphasizing phonics and phonemic awareness, letter recognition, sounds, sight words and emergent readers’ text. Students read developmentally appropriate reading books and add to their skillset as their reading progresses. They are encouraged to use phonetic, or invented spelling to communicate ideas in journals and responses to literature. The Slingerland method, a multi-sensory approach, is the basis for printing and early literacy instruction.
Math
Science
The science program is an inquiry-based approach that introduces the stduents to the steps of the scientific method: observation, hypothesis-formation, prediction, data gathering, and experimentation. FOSS science kits are used to teach these science skills. Many of the classroom themes integrate science topics as well.
Social Studies
The context for social studies learning in kindergarten is the student’s interaction with classroom and school. The classroom serves as an environment in which decisions are made with respect to rights, rules and responsibilities. They begin to learn the basic concepts of fairness and respect for the rights and opinions of others. Units of study also focus on identity, diversity, justice, and action. Students learn culture, geography, literature and music of specific cultures where they celebrate through games, art, cooking, music and holidays.
Religion
Kindergarten uses the We Believe religion text & follows the Archdiocese of Seattle Religion Standards. This series focuses on the Catholic faith, including traditional prayers, scripture readings and the lives of the saints. The students participate in Zones of Regulation, which helps children navigate their emotions and making positive, healthy choices towards themselves and others. Through their religion classes, prayer and their experiences in this strong faith community, students have the opportunity to develop their relationships with God.
Drama
The goal of the Kindergarten drama program is to give students a positive artistic experience. Most drama classes start with a multi-cultural story. The stories are connected to activities and creative play that enhance learning. We also focus on specific performance skills with various games, projects and activities.
Music
In Kindergarten music, the focus is on exploring each element of music with an emphasis on rhythm and melody. Students explore music through movement and rhythmic instruments, as they develop skills to read music. Discovering the joy of music is the primary objective.
Physical Education
In Kindergarten physical education instruction is focused on the fundamental concepts of loco-motor movements, body and spatial awareness, and safe play. These concepts are taught through warm-up activities and group play. Kindergartners have P.E. twice a week.
Kindergarten Events
Field Trips
- Seattle Children's Theatre
- St. Bridget Church
- Rocky Beach at Golden Gardens
Spring Tea
The Kindergarteners perform songs they have learned throughout the year for their families.