Curriculum

• Reading: systematic, explicit phonics instruction using the Superkids program
• Lessons integrate reading, spelling, writing, comprehension and listening skills
• Focus on phonemic awareness, phonics-based decoding, and recognition of memory words
• Concentration on proper letter formation of capital and lower-case letters
• Sentence writing is introduced
• Writing and spelling skills are practiced through phonetic dictation

• An interactive based curriculum with a focus on communities
• Thematic based curriculum teaches children through listening, observing, role-playing, building, brainstorming and decision-making

• Introduction to the basics of scientific inquiry during science lab instruction and investigation
• Hands-on curriculum explores the areas of life science, Earth science and physical science

• Priority placed on working independently, staying on task, cooperative learning and collaboration
• Introduction of homework twice a week as a way to reinforce recently learned skills in both math and reading

• Development of communication skills through book reports, child of the week and academic sharing in a nurturing environment

• Use of a variety of media for class art projects and specific art activities integrated throughout the daily curriculum as a way to express creative ideas
• Art in Action, a study of fine art, sponsored by our Parents’ Club

• Weekly music classes include songs and rhythm instruments as a way to develop a sense of music style
• All students participate in our December Holiday Show and the annual Spring Sing

• One laptop per child with a concentration on opening and closing files, saving student work, proper use of mouse pad and locating and opening predetermined educational websites
• Several projects using online sites and other software that support the kindergarten curriculum

• Introduction of the Spanish language through songs, conversational phrases and high use vocabulary including colors, numbers, shapes, body parts and animal names

• Students learn and practice American Sign Language (ASL) in a fun and creative way through songs, props, and movement activities.
• Our students will be exposed to the ASL alphabet—the origin of the language—and introduced to basic signs such as “hello” and “please.”
• Each month will present a new and amusing theme and along with it new songs and activities. Monthly newsletters are sent home so that you may sign, sing and shimmy along with your little one.

• Development of gross motor skills through individual and group activities in a fun and accepting environment while promoting physical fitness and good sportsmanship
• GROWFIT PE program is a fun, game-based approach that provides the ability, confidence and desire to be physically active for life

• Reading: systematic, explicit phonics instruction using the Superkids program, Lippincott, and Reading Street anthology
• Mastery of long vowels, phonemes and vowel diphthongs
• Concentration on more difficult memory words which expands vocabulary
• Sentence writing with a focus on structure with the addition of adjectives and adverbs
• Basic grammar rules and an introduction to editing as a part of spelling and creative writing
• Introduction of D’Nealian handwriting which incorporates slant, rhythm and spacing

• An interactive Social Studies curriculum allows for open discussion and sharing
• Themes include: importance of friends, community, map skills and other cultures

• Hands-on science lab program allows students the opportunity to use the scientific method and inquiry to investigate the world
• Curriculum explores the areas of life science, Earth science and physical science

• Priority placed on time management, personal responsibility, organization and self-help skills
• Development of critical thinking and problem solving skills through independent activities and cooperative learning opportunities

• Development of confident communication skills through book reports, small group assignments and presentations

• Integrated throughout the curriculum art provides students a way to express their ideas through a variety of mediums
• Our Parents’ Club sponsors Art in Action, a study of fine art

• Weekly music classes include songs and rhythm instruments as a way to develop a sense of music style
• All students participate in our December Holiday Show and the annual Spring Sing

• Students utilize iWork, Pages, HyperStudio 5 and Education City
• Introduction of basic keyboarding skills
• Online sites and other software are used to support and enhance areas of study

• Develop large motor skills through individual and group activities in a fun and accepting environment while promoting physical fitness and good sportsmanship
• Our SPARK PE program designed to be inclusive, active, engaging and fun

• Exposure to the culture of Spanish speaking countries through activities, music and high use vocabulary
• Exploration of Spanish vocabulary and high frequency phrases including colors, numbers, shapes, animals, seasonal vocabulary, the calendar, greetings and courtesy words and school and classroom vocabulary

• Reading: phonics instruction and literature study using Lippincott, Reading Street anthology series and chapter books
• Emphasis on reading short stories to develop strong comprehension and summarizing skills
• Writing includes: rules of grammar, story mapping, creative writing and formal paragraphs
• D'Nealian writing is mastered
• Introduction of cursive handwriting with a focus on slant and legibility

• An interactive social studies curriculum explores the importance of family and people who have shaped our communities
• Map skills and geography are highlighted throughout each unit

• Hands-on science lab program allows students the opportunity to use the scientific method and inquiry to investigate the world
• Curriculum explores how living things grow and change, the Earth, space and weather
• Emphasis on in-depth understanding through reading, vocabulary and assessment

• Priority placed on time management, personal responsibility and organizational skills
• Prioritization and organization of schoolwork with the introduction of a planner
• Through independent and cooperative learning activities, students continue to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Confident communication skills are further developed through the presentation of class work, book reports and creative projects

• Integrated throughout the curriculum, art provides students a way to express their ideas through a variety of mediums
• Our Parents’ Club sponsors Art in Action, a study of fine art

• Weekly music classes include songs and rhythm instruments as a way to develop a sense of music style.
• All students participate in our December Holiday Show and the annual Spring Sing

• Mastery of the following skills by the end of the year: opening and closing files, saving student work
• Software and application include: iWorks, Garage Band, Mavis Beacon Typing, Education City, BrainPop and HyperStudio 5
• Continued practice of keyboarding skills
• Online sites and other software are used to support projects and enhance areas of study

• Develop large motor skills through individual and group activities in a fun and accepting environment while promoting physical fitness and good sportsmanship
• SPARK PE program is designed to be inclusive, active and fun
• Teamwork and positive play is encouraged

• Review the prior year’s vocabulary while working on ease of conversation and writing of new common phrases
• Exposure to the culture of Spanish speaking countries through activities, games, music and expanded vocabulary for family, holidays, rooms in a school, weather, feelings and clothing