+ MATHEMATICS

Into Math, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the text used to support the kindergarten math curriculum. The text correlates with the Common Core. The primary foci in kindergarten include: counting and representing numbers 0-19 and beyond; addition and subtraction up to the number 10; identifying 2-D and 3-D shapes and their attributes; position words; measuring and comparing height, weight and length; classifying and sorting objects and data . This hands-on curriculum utilizes manipulatives, interactive Smartboard lessons, and small and whole group learning, accompanied by an engaging and colorful workbook.

+ RELIGION

The religion program for kindergarten is designed to support parents in educating their children about the Catholic faith. It helps develop positive attitudes about themselves, their families and friends. It increases their knowledge of our holidays, holy days, of God our Father, and of Jesus. The 32 lessons stimulate faith development and the practice of Christian actions towards others. In the course of each day we recite our basic prayers and we teach them to be respectful and kind to one another.

+ LANGUAGE ARTS

JOURNEYS, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the text that supports the kindergarten language arts program. This program is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. These standards include Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language.

We begin our year reviewing letter recognition with a focus on lowercase letters. We progress to letter sounds, high frequency words, and pre-reading skills. Then the children read in groups, emphasizing both comprehension and fluency. During read alouds, the children retell the story, discuss characters, settings and answer questions about details. Our Kindergarteners learn the formation of letters and begin to write words and sentences. Also, punctuation starts to become part of their writing. We practice listening to a speaker and taking turns speaking. Show and Tell is one opportunity for children to express ideas

+ SOCIAL STUDIES

Learning in social studies is built on children’s experience in their families, school, community, state and country. The children learn about national holidays and symbols, famous Americans, introductory map skills, community helpers, various jobs and how work relates to money.

+ SCIENCE

Much of the kindergarten science curriculum is based on the world around us and that which occurs naturally in each of our four seasons. The units include apples and pumpkins, the night sky, animals in winter, penguins, the human body, living and non-living things, and properties of matter.

+ SPECIALS

All students participate in specials that compliment the rigorous classroom curricula throughout the school year. Art, Physical Education, Music, STEAM, and Spanish are offered to all students from grades Kindergarten through grade 8.

Students begin to experience the Spanish language 1x per week starting in kindergarten through grade 5. Middle School students take Spanish 3x per week.