What will my child be learning in kindergarten?

          Throughout the school year, the children will have a variety of opportunities to see, hear, touch, and connect with their surroundings. Through these sensory experiences, your child will master the basics of learning readiness, such as the ability to focus, listen, absorb information, do seatwork, and learn in a formal setting. Additionally, through play and hands-on exploration, the children will test some of their new knowledge, relate it with their existing knowledge, and become ready to learn even more. Imagination, a child’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity, is another key element that is encouraged throughout the school year.  

          The children will expand their ability to communicate through speaking, listening, reading, and writing and will develop the ability and disposition to acquire knowledge through reading. We place a strong emphasis on the development of children’s spelling ability from “invented spelling” as we move towards the goal of conventional spelling. The children will hear high quality children’s literature and non-fiction materials for pleasure and to obtain information. Throughout the school year, the children will engage in making their own books, journaling, and using the school library.

          We use the Kindergarten Everyday Math Program. We will also be using the Jolly Phonics Program in conjunction with D’Nealian handwriting. We use the Call To Faith religion series by Harcourt Religion Publishers. We will also be working with a new science curriculum this year by Macmillan McGraw-Hill. More information will come on Meet the Teacher Night.

          No school year is complete without a few musical programs. The kindergarteners perform their own Christmas Show and have an End of the Year Celebration performance. More information will be provided as we approach these events.

         We are very grateful to have the help of Ms. Sue McNeela, who is the Core teacher for kindergarten and first grade. She will be in and out of the classrooms helping to differentiate our instruction, working with us during learning centers, team teaching guided reading groups, and providing additional support. Ms. Pesch is the classroom aide in Mrs. Judie’s classroom. Mrs. Clancy (AM) and Mrs. Nemecek (PM) will be the aides in Mrs. Giltner’s classes. Together, we have an excellent team and are excited to teach your child this year.

We are looking forward to a great year!

                             Mrs. Judie Gale

                             Mrs. Taylor Giltner