Curriculum Guide for Kindergarten
“Be aware of wonder. Learn some and think some and draw and paint and
sing and dance and play and work every day some” Robert Fulghum
Language Arts
Kindergarten builds the foundation for reading/language success using the Treasures Language Arts program, along with children’s literature, creative movement, art, songs and poems. They will associate phonetic sounds with letters and blend sounds into words. Children will be encouraged to speak clearly, speak in complete sentences, use adequate vocabulary and tell a story in sequence.
Mathematics
Children will develop and apply knowledge of numbers using the Scott Foresman Math program, hands-on learning, literature, music and art. Children will understand counting order 1-30, recognize numbers to thirty, write numbers clearly, apply knowledge of numbers and recognize coins. They will be introduced to time, measurement, patterning and addition/subtraction readiness.
Writing
The emphasis is on proper formation of letters and proper handwriting position. Children will have the opportunity to develop writing skills in their journal during the school day. They will also be exposed to activities that develop pre-writing skills at the writing center.
Physical Development
Large and small muscles are developed through weekly physical education classes, controlling pencils and scissors, gluing, printing, creative play, puzzles, stringing beads, pegs, blocks and clay.
Religion
This program introduces the children to faith by name of fundamental sensory experiences. Early childhood religious education is a process of developing awareness of growth and of nurturing the child’s spirit. Our kindergarten religion program lays the foundation of faith for the children and provides them with a means of worship that has value to them. The children recite daily prayers in class and participate in religious activities with the school community. As part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Family Life curriculum, Immaculate Heart of Mary uses the Benzinger Series and supplemental materials provided by the Archdiocese.
Art
Various mediums are used in primary art to motivate the children to express themselves creatively through color, form and design.
Music
The kindergarten music program includes vocal and rhythmic development, creative movement, beginning music theory, and hands-on experiences with instruments. The children participate in the Christmas program at the school.
Computer
The children will receive instruction in the computer lab. In the computer lab the children will use a variety of educational software that will enhance and reinforce early reading and math skills.
Science
Our goal in Science will be to develop basic thinking skills. Students will collect data (knowledge), understand information (comprehension), and apply concepts (application). The science center/lessons encourage independent exploration. We are utilizing the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science series.
Social Studies
Our goal in Social Studies will be to develop a community in our own classroom while exposing the children to their larger world. This curriculum is developed from their everyday experiences, current events, holidays and some historical events. The program is integrated throughout our reading, religion and math programs, along with supplemental materials from the Scott Foresman Social Studies series.
Social Development and Problem Solving
Our curriculum will contain a developmental program that is ongoing. This will include emphasis on self-discipline, perseverance and independence. This includes our Primary-wide Koala-ty Kids Program.
Homework
At the kindergarten level, the main purpose of homework is to keep you informed of what your child is doing in school and to give him/her additional practice. Usually, there will be one written assignment and one review activity each evening, Monday through Thursday. If your child becomes frustrated, please notify the teacher.