Senior Kindergarten Curriculum

SENIOR KINDERGARTEN

Mathematics
Through the use of the first level of our primary mathematics program, Everyday Mathematics, children are taught mathematical strands that spiral throughout the year. Strands include numeration, counting, measurement, time, geometry, functions, relations, attributes, patterns, money, graphing, operations, and problem solving. Children use rulers, tape measures, counting chips, money, pan balances, scales, thermometers, templates, calculators, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, geoboards, cuisenaire rods, and other manipulatives.

Language Arts
Senior Kindergarten children exhibit an expanding vocabulary, both in general usage and in Language Arts terminology. They express ideas logically and in complete sentences, and they take turns speaking. They listen to stories, poetry, and music. They learn to follow simple directions, and they listen as others speak.
Students are helped to understand the symbolic function of letters. They distinguish auditory and visual similarities and differences. They practice laterality and directionality with specific comprehension of the left-right nature of reading. They become acquainted with phonemic and alphabetic principles. In the computer lab children receive individualized training in phonological awareness and listening skills.

The Letterland program lays the foundation for reading. It teaches letter shape and sound recognition, and it establishes correct letter formation. At the same time, Letterland inspires a delight in language and a delight in learning. Letterland uses entertaining stories to teach letter "behavior" that children can understand and enjoy. Annie Apple and Bouncey Ben make children instantly aware of the way letters look and sound. Repeated readings and sight word activities enhance our language arts curriculum.

Science
Our science curriculum develops skills in scientific questioning, making observations, sequencing, classifying, and predicting. Studies include weather, life cycles, animals (domestic and wild), plants, structures, simple tools, recycling, health, electricity, movement, rainforest, soil, oil, ice and crystals. These studies are integrated into other curriculum areas.

Social Studies
Senior Kindergarten students make connections between the family, the school, and the community. Democracy is defined as it applies to the classroom. Students become aware of geography through field trips and map study. The historical and social significance of certain holidays and national figures are introduced. Experiential learning opportunities include Big Friend/Little Friend Program where children are paired with fifth graders, cooking, gardening, field trips, and visits by community resource specialists.

Foreign Language
Students meet in small groups to study foreign language twice a week. French is taught the first half of the year, and Spanish is taught the second half. They learn simple songs, vocabulary, and conversational phrases.

Physical Education
Four times weekly, students meet in one of the Summit gyms with a specialist who helps them develop skills. Walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, throwing, catching, and climbing are explored in a variety of activities. Emphasis is on personal effort and improvement and following directions. Good sportsmanship is encouraged at all times.

Art
Art is an integral part of our daily routine. We believe that art is one of the most important means of expression for a child, and we celebrate all efforts by displaying children’s work. We introduce a wide variety of media, and include responsibility for equipment and cleanup in our lessons. Materials are available to the children for creative exploration.

Music
Three days a week, the children spend 30 minutes with a music specialist. They dance, play instruments, learn about pitch, rhythm, volume and tone, and discover the instruments of the orchestra. We have an opportunity to sing for family and friends every year at the Fall Sing in the theatre.