|
|
Kindergarten Curriculum
- I. Religion
-
In our religion program, the teachers reinforce the students' concepts of self and their relationship to God, to other children, and to adults. In addition, the teachers encourage awareness of God, the life of Christ, the Blessed Mother, and the saints. The teachers endeavor to make the school environment a place of Christian love and understanding. It is a place where children can grow in the knowledge of God's love for them and in concern for others.
In kindergarten, just as at home, children have the opportunity to learn Christianity by living it. The teachers not only tell the class about kindness, gentleness, and generosity, but also provide children with the opportunities to experience these values.
The teachers utilize the materials and techniques of the other subject areas to plan interesting, meaningful activities in religious instruction. Listening to simple Bible stories, creative art projects, singing songs, role playing, and telling stories provide first steps in the religious formation and education of children. Basic prayer such as The Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Morning Offering, and Prayers Before/After Meals are taught to enrich the student's prayer life. Kindergartners attend the school Masses.
To supplement our religion program, we use the Sadlier's textbook We Believe- God Made the World. It will help the children learn many important and wonderful things about God and our Catholic faith.
- II. Language Arts
-
Most parents are extremely interested in the method used to teach their child how to read. In the following two paragraphs, Pleasant T. Rowlands, the author of Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen, describes the program your child will use.
Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen is a comprehensive reading-language arts program. It contains and correlates reading, handwriting, auditory, and oral language skills for the child who does not know how to read and write. It provides the student with a thorough understanding of the letters of the alphabet and their sounds - the most basic written language.
Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen is the foundation for a student's understanding of letters as written symbols for spoken sounds. In Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen, the child learns about the alphabet: the letter names, how to write them, what sounds they represent, and what function they serve as they are blended to form words. It is a multi-sensory program of visual, kinesthetic, and auditory activities, which meets the specialized needs of the beginning student. It develops manual dexterity, perceptual awareness, and other essential skills. Above all else, it produces in the beginners a high degree of involvement and motivation so vital for success at this early stage of learning."
- III. Math
-
In our math program, emphasis is focused on the development of concepts. The children learn number concepts and operations with materials that can be manipulated. Children work with blocks, cubes, links, and other appropriate materials to help them truly understand math. The activities are designed to help the child achieve an understanding of mathematical concepts without the pressure of memorizing and recording symbolically.
To enhance our math program, we use Sadlier-Oxford's textbook Progress in Mathematics.
- IV. Science and Social Studies
-
Science and social studies are an essential part of our kindergarten program. Since our program has a highly integrated curriculum, science and social studies are taught through a variety of activities across the curriculum. These subjects are also incorporated in library, art, music, Spanish, computer, and physical education. This multi-sensory approach provides for an enjoyable learning experience.
As a supplement to the science and social studies curriculum, our kindergarten classes use the Weekly Reader Magazine for more informing, exciting, and stimulating activities. Our science and social studies curriculum is also enhanced by guest speakers, field trips, and school and community related functions.
- V. Specialists
-
The children will attend art, music, physical education, library, Spanish, and computer weekly.
- VI. Project Charlie
-
Project Charlie is headed by our Mother's Club. The primary goal of Project Charlie is to educate children about substance abuse while helping to build self-esteem and healthy life skills.
Learning Centers
- The kindergarten children have the opportunity to participate in learning centers each day. Learning centers invite children to come and see, come and do, come and learn. They allow children to make choices, to move freely and independently, to interact with other students, and to grow in areas of need. Centers also provide opportunities for a large number of children to learn individually or in smaller groups so that the teacher can take advantage of moments of readiness, keen interest, and desire. The learning centers in each classroom are library, art, science, manipulatives, blocks, housekeeping, computer, puzzles and games.
-
Some Final Notes
St. Pius X School is proud and happy to offer a complete kindergarten program that strives to meet the development needs of young children with structured and unstructured learning activities. Remember that your own reactions and attitudes will go along way towards determining how your child likes school.
Help your child look forward to school. Talk about it in a friendly way so your child will think of it as a happy place. Discuss school activities, school friends, new experiences, and new things to learn.
If your child expresses doubts or fears, don't pass them off. Try to answer all the questions in a positive, reassuring way and let your child know there are friendly people to help him or her out.
 Back to Top
|
|
