Kindergarten Curriculum
Kindergarten Core Academics
Reading Writing Workshop
Learning to read is a cornerstone of a child’s education
Countryside’s kindergarten reading program creates the foundation for all future literacy development. An abundance of time, patience, and individualized instruction support this process. Our balanced literacy approach offers endless opportunities for students to explore reading and writing in countless ways.
Words and pictures come to life through story time, reading lessons, and writing activities.
Books read aloud are the heart of purposeful lessons that effortlessly reach into other subject areas and promote the richness of cross-curricular lessons and experiences. Small flexible groups allow the teacher to plan for all students’ instructional levels.
The evolution of the writing process begins in kindergarten. This program builds confidence as well as skills as students begin to learn how to express themselves through writing. Grade level appropriate phonics skills, spelling rules, and grammar skills are gently embedded in this writing process.
Mathematics
Positive learning experiences build skills and confidence, and set the stage for a lifelong love of math
Math - using manipulatives to understand number sense
Our hands-on approach creates opportunities for play-based joyful learning and natural discovery of mathematical concepts (of varying levels) through the use of materials and manipulatives. There are opportunities to learn skills in both whole group instruction and small group differentiated lessons, where students work with others at a similar level.
Kindergarten students explore math and take full advantage of opportunities to help see math at work in our daily lives. Math doesn’t always take place in the kindergarten classroom. A measurement unit won’t fit inside when you are measuring the height of a giant sunflower or the circumference of a tree. These hands on experiences bring joy to learning and integrate into our science units as students begin to learn all their learning is connected.
Kindergarten math emphasizes number sense and developing a love of learningCountryside offers math levels A through G, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Advanced Math (Geometry and Algebra II). The math levels are not identified by grade as they are more challenging than traditional grade levels in math.
Kindergarten math topics:
- Calendar skills
- Number sense and place value of whole numbers up to 100
- Strategies for solving single- and double-digit addition and subtraction problems
- Understanding basic fractions as equal parts of a whole (1/2, 1/3, and 1/4)
- Recognition of appropriate units of measurement in everyday life (time, length, temperature)
- Recognition and identification of the value of each coin
Science and Social Science
We encourage our students to be curious about the world around them
Countryside believes learning through discovery provides the strongest classroom connections. Discoveries begin as students learn about themselves, their families, and their town. Our students build upon this until they are soon discovering places only their imagination can take them. Hands-on lessons, activities, and award-winning books guide discoveries, promote thinking, and encourage questions.
Science and social science topics:
- Identity
- Community
- Weather
- 5 Senses
- Water/Properties of Water
- Ocean
- Arctic
- Plants
- Farms
Ocean Unit - meeting a fish (up close!)
Kindergarten Specialty Academics
- World Languages
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Moventures and Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Character Education
World Languages
Countryside’s World Language program begins in kindergarten
Our youngest students take both Chinese and Spanish, spending one semester learning each language. The exposure to these two languages helps families then choose which language their student will continue learning in elementary school.
Chinese
Our Chinese program is for students with no prior Chinese knowledge. Students are introduced to common Chinese words and phrases while also learning simplified Chinese characters. In kindergarten we utilize songs, games, and group activities to help students remember vocabulary. We promote the overall appreciation of Chinese culture too – celebrating the Moon Festival in the fall and the Lunar New Year with performances on the stage at school.
Spanish
In kindergarten, students are introduced to foundational vocabulary designed to spark interest in learning Spanish and set the stage for future language study. The goals are to acquire basic words and phrases, identify familiar nouns, and develop essential listening skills. Students are also encouraged to respond to and react to commands, questions, and verbal descriptions, fostering an interactive learning environment. Additionally, they compare and contrast cultural experiences through songs and chants, building an early appreciation for the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Lunar New Year Celebration - students perform an umbrella dance
Spanish class - telling a story about sea creatures and a shark
Music
Music class begins with welcoming each other by singing or playing a song game. We learn notation beginning in kindergarten by using ta’s (quarter notes), ti-ti’s (eighth notes), two’s (half notes), and four (whole notes).
The students learn about different instrument families and begin to play on hand bells, frame drums, and glockenspiels. Keyboards are also introduced.
We work toward performing in our K - 3rd grade show each spring - a performance on the “big” stage featuring songs and stories for our families and friends.
Visual Arts
Kindergarten art focuses on basic art concepts such as line, shape and color
Class begins with the reading of an illustrated children's book which helps to stimulate each child's individual creativity. Throughout the year, we move on to discussing art history and artists to inspire their work as well.
The lessons are inspired by what the students have been learning in social studies or science. We introduce multi-step lessons and separate each step by day so that the students can learn to build upon their ideas.
Drawing a Van Gogh "Starry Night"-inspired scene
Moventures and Performing Arts
Ocean Show - getting ready for our Ocean Show where we perform songs about sharks, pirates, and other ocean-related songs on our classroom "boat"
Early elementary students practice their performance skills in classroom presentations that are related to units of study such as the ocean. These performances are coordinated by their classroom teachers and take place in the comfort of their classroom.
The students learn the basics of what it takes to put on a performance. They experience creating a set, making costumes, following a script, and performing roles. Emphasis is also placed on being a good member of the audience.
In addition, the students meet twice weekly with their Moventures teacher. Moventures is a combination of dramatic arts, movement, art, and music. The students play acting games – acting out stories or scenarios. Art movement activities include games such as creating their own symbol and creating an action or movement to go with the symbol.
Some classes start with reading a story and doing an activity based on the story.
Each spring the K – 3rd grade students work with the music and performing arts teachers to present a musical production on the main stage for their family and friends.
Physical Education
We believe that students should be active now and throughout their lives
We focus on joy in learning, comfort in participation, and confidence in playing. We emphasize developing overall good health and teaching children how to work together as a team.
Our Physical Education program teaches sportsmanship and skill development as well as physical fitness including muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardio-respiratory endurance.
There are also opportunities to develop motor and locomotor skills that develop positive body image and confidence as well as participation in rhythmic activities that develop coordination, self-expression, creativity, and endurance. Our goal for each class is that every student is engaged and active in a controlled and safe environment as the children explore sports and activities that they can enjoy for life.
Sample Kindergarten PE skills:
- Following rules and procedures
- Body awareness
- Cooperating with classmates
- Motor and locomotor skills
- Fulfilling the desire to play
Character Education
Character development is one of the most fundamental aspects of any child's education
The principles instilled during childhood influence the type of citizen, parent or leader a student will become. Our Character Building program helps model appropriate behavior. We strive to nurture the growth of these ideals in our students' social and emotional development.
Our Character Building Qualities include:
- Respect
- Gratitude
- Cooperation
- Honesty
- Resourcefulness
- Reliability
- Self-Control
- Good Judgment
- Perseverance
Honesty - Students presenting a Character Building Quality at an all-school assembly