Our Kindergarten Program is a multiage program with 4 year old (K4), 5 year old (K5) and 6 year old (K6) students in the same classroom. We offer an integrated, student centered, project based approach that facilitates greater individual learning. We know that children develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually at different rates. Therefore, the curriculum must be responsive to the anticipated differences in abilities and interests. We have created a multi-age environment to provide for effective instruction and to allow children of various ages and developmental stages to progress at their own individual pace. Our curriculum includes the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills; use of the child’s imagination; development of creativity; development of self direction and motivation; language activities; the development of basic math concepts and skills; hands on science activities, integrated with other learning areas across the curriculum; social studies – learning about ourselves and the world we live in; movement skills. Kindergartners have a profound sense of curiosity and delight in experiences that lead them to a better understanding of themselves and the environment around them. They learn best by physically doing it and they retain most when interacting and sharing with others. The program contains of many hands-on activities designed to reinforce concepts through independent, student centered learning. Children can work at appropriate developmental levels. The structure of the centers and activities allows students to make choices and use tools to gain a deeper understanding of the concept being worked on. They benefit from participation in a selection of activities, which the teacher prepares and facilitates. In our Kindergarten program, children grow in confidence, develop their creativity, acquire social skills and the right attitude towards learning.
SCHEDULE
8:15 – 9:00 Arrival/Free Learning Time
On arrival the children put away and organize their belongings and then choose activities they like to do. The activities are both child and teacher directed. Children are encouraged to do a variety of activities during this time and interact with their classmates. Language, Math, Art, Science, Sensory and Practical Life, Drawing and Writing, Block Centers are open daily for the children.
9:00 – 9:15 Morning Circle
At morning circle we greet everyone, go over the calendar and the weather, introduce the themes for the week/day and discuss topics related to the day. New vocabularies are introduced daily during the circle time. Songs and dances are often done during this time.
9:15 – 10:00 Learning Center 1 (Math/Language/Library)
Small groups (age and ability based) are formed and explore given tasks during this time. A wide variety of teaching techniques are used to make age-appropriate lessons fun and educational. Textbooks, workbooks, library books, worksheets and games are actively used.
10:00 – 10:20 Morning Snack
Morning snack is provided by the school. Students enjoy a healthy snack to re-charge. Students are encouraged to talk with their tablemates and to use the proper table manners. We sometimes cook our snack with parent’s help as a part of the culture learning experiences. Monthly birthday Party is scheduled every month to celebrate friend’s special day with all the classmates.
10:20 – 10:50 Learning Center 2 (Math/Language/Library)
Students once again form small groups based on age and ability and explore given tasks during this time. A wide variety of teaching techniques are used to make age-appropriate lessons fun and educational. Textbooks, workbooks, library books, worksheets and games are actively used.
10:50 – 11:45 Outdoor Play at the Park
In the fresh air we stretch and move our bodies, developing our large muscles through running, climbing, kicking, skipping and etc. It is also a social time where we learn to cooperate and play with each other through fun games and open activities. Students are encouraged to use our park toys provided to by the school and well as the park’s equipment to initiate their own play and have fun.
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch Time
The children enjoy either a lunch box ordered at school or home lunch. Lunch is a very social time and table manners are important, too. After lunch we brush our teeth and then spend time reading quietly to ourselves.
12:45 – 13:00 Story Time
Teacher or student selected books are read to them. After reading the stories we talk about them and sometimes act them out. Through these activities the children build their vocabulary, build listening skills, lengthen their attention span and build their cognitive and memory skills by recalling and discussing information from the stories.The children practice manners such as raising a hand to answer, listening to other’s thoughts and ideas and taking turns to share your own with others.
13:00 – 13:30 Learning Center 3 (Art/Science/Sensory/Practical Life)
During this period, students explore activities in the subjects of Art, Science, Sensory and Practical Life. The students have fun while improving skills such as cutting, coloring, painting; learning about various scientific processes as well as improving visual, auditory skills, among many others. Art projects are often displayed in the classroom to develop appreciation, enjoyment of art and to sense of community and class cohesion.
13:30 – 14:00 Free Learning and Play Time
The children explore self-selected activities during this time. The Dramatic Play Area, Writing and Drawing Center, Art Center, Reading Center, Puzzles, Practical Life and Sensorial Center are open daily. Social interaction is highly encouraged.
14:00-14:30 Afternoon Circle
A final class ends the Whole Day Program. All students gather to have a teacher guided discussion on topics such as a review the activities of day where students share their feelings and thoughts about the day’s lessons and announcements and reminders are given about upcoming events. In addition, students say goodbye to those who attend our Whole Day program. Lastly quiet games are played to transition to our afternoon snack.
14:30-14:50 Afternoon Snack
Afternoon Snack is provided from home. We ask the children bring healthy snacks – fruit, yogurt, vegetable sticks, cheese, crackers and etc.We have a strict policy of No Nuts, No Chocolates and No Candies.
15:00-15:50 Outdoor Play at the Park
Much like in the morning, we go outdoors every afternoon. From their games in the sandbox and on the park equipment, the children continue to develop their fine and gross motor skills.
15:50-16:00 Extended Day Students Depart
Students on the Extended Day Program will tidy up and end their school day.
16:00 – 18:30 After School Program
Students engage in exciting lessons such as Drama, Music and Movement, Arts and Craft, Physical Education and Games, Science Exploration and the most popular, Cooking.
(This is an approximate time line of our day and there may be changes on a daily basis,depending on activities planned, the weather, special events etc)
