MT. SINAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MT. SINAI, NY Dr. John Gentilcore, Principal Ms. Linda Chase, Assistant Principal KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM The Kindergarten program is Open Court Reading. It combines multi-sensory approaches to learning. The children learn by doing. Language and all of its component parts play a big part in our daily lessons. We hope to instill in the children a desire to want to come to school and begin to set the basis for good work habits; independence and responsibility that will help them in the grades to come. I. READING The Kindergarten Reading Readiness is Open Court Reading. It is meaning based and integrates listening, speaking, reading, writing, letter sound relationships and thinking. Integrating language arts instruction across the curriculum enables students to make critical connections to all subject areas. The SRA open court reading series is utilized in the kindergarten program. This scope and sequence of this program is as follows: 1. Print awareness 2. Phonemic awareness 3. Vocabulary Development 4. Visual and auditory awareness 5. Phonics 6. Comprehension 7. Reading strategies 8. Literary appreciation 9. Listening and speaking 10. Writing 11. Multiculturalism A. Handwriting: 1. Children will master the ability to form capital and lower case letters. 2. Children will learn to write their first and last name using appropriate upper and lower case letters. 3. Children will learn to print words, sentences and short paragraphs. 4. Numerals 1
B. Language Arts: 1. Listening & Speaking Children will further develop their ability to use oral communication skills in a variety of contexts including expression, narration, explanation and description. E.g. - sequence sentences recounting personal feelings - state personal narrative - label using invented spelling - following directions - responding to speaker - group discussion participation - summarizing, retelling stories 2. Written Expression: Children will use a process approach to writing which will include: - whole class pre-writing (brainstorming, organizing and planning) - writing for purpose - drafting (drawing and using inventive spelling) - revising ("adding on" and rephrasing their ideas into clearer language) - preparation for sharing - parts of speech/usage - capitalization, punctuation II. MATH Text: D. C. Heath MATH-THEIR-WAY: The goal of Math-Their-Way is to develop understanding and insight of the patterns of mathematics through the use of concrete materials. The activities are designed to help young children see relationships and interconnections in mathematics and to enable them to deal flexibly with math ideas and concepts. A. Skills and Concepts 1. Place Value and Counting a) same number b) more, less c) counting 0-20 d) ordinal numbers: first, second, third e) counting money f) writing numerals g) order of numbers 2. Adding Whole Numbers a) more than b) addition readiness c) beginning addition 0-10 2
3. Subtracting Whole Numbers a) less than b) subtraction readiness c) beginning subtraction 0-10 4. Problem Solving and Applications a) classification: same, different b) patterns 1) with colors 2) with shapes c) reading a picture graph d) making a bar graph e) tell a number story that fits a picture f) consumer mathematics 1) enough money 5. Geometry a) square, circle, triangle, rectangle b) solid shapes c) same shape d) patterns e) inside, outside 6. Measurement - (Time and Money) a) size discrimination b) capacity - holds more c) money - pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters d) time 1. daytime, nighttime 2. before, after 3. sequence - first, next 7. Recognizing Colors 8. Position a) top, bottom b) inside, outside c) left, right d) middle III. SCIENCE The children will learn to solve problems by acquiring information; developing concepts by listening, thinking, recording and making decisions. The program uses a hands-on approach. The children will solve problems effectively and with ease. They will increase their understanding of science principles by applying skills systematically. The students will develop positive science attitudes. 3
Key Topics: 1. Physical Science: Objects and events have distinctive properties. 2. Life Science: Each kind of plant or animal continues beyond the life span of the individual because each kind is able to reproduce offspring. 3. Main Units: a) Classroom Plants b) Sunshine, Shadows & Silhouettes c) Waterplay IV. SOCIAL STUDIES The Social Studies program at the kindergarten level focuses on helping the child develop awareness of self as a growing individual. The child's unique qualities as well as similarities to others are stressed. In addition, school becomes a source for social studies learning. Social interaction skills are integral to the kindergarten program. Emphasis is placed on beginning with the child using content that is relevant and personally meaningful. A wide range of interdisciplinary activities can help the child grow and develop, gaining knowledge and skills. KEY PERSPECTIVES A. Social a) self b) self - within groups c) families B. Political - rules and responsibilities a) family b) school c) community d) citizenship C. Economic a) family needs and wants b) community services c) interdependence of community services d) monetary decisions D. Geographic a) directionality (map & globe) E. Historic - change a) people b) places c) things 4
V. SOCIAL SKILLS Attention will be given to the further growth and development of the following areas: 1. responsibility 2. independence 3. social growth 4. respect for the rights of others 5. cooperation VI. HEALTH / AIDS AIDS Focus - Developing an awareness and respect for one's own body - Teach the children to behave in ways that will promote healthy growth and development. 9/05 /dm 5