Kindergarten
The St. Ignatius kindergarten room is a “happening place.” Children are happy, busy, creative learners. We have a strong academic focus, but WHO children are, and HOW they are feeling learning is even more important that WHAT they are learning in the curriculum. We strive to create a comfortable, joyful environment for young children where they are free to explore, create, and learn while they contribute to a caring and cooperative classroom spirit.
Our full day program allows for more academic subjects to be taught in the morning, and less structured activities to be enjoyed in the afternoons.
Kindergartners have PE four times each week, Music three times, Library once, and Computer Lab once. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Rogers as our aide.
CURRICULUM FOR KINDERGARTEN
RELIGION
We call it "God's News." The focus is on our wonderful selves, our senses, belonging to the faith community of the Church, Baptism, celebration of the Church liturgical year and feasts, informal prayer, readings about the life of Jesus, our call to be followers of Jesus, participation in school Mass celebrations, and songs and role-playing. We also encourage outreach to those who are in need. Reverence and respect for life and for each individual is important to us.
MATH
Math is so much more than "arithmetic!" We use a hands on approach to math, and cover such areas as patterning, graphing, estimation, problem solving, visual and spatial relationships, measurement, formation of numerals, counting, concepts of addition and subtraction, place value and introduction to geometry and algebra! We use computer programs to supplement our class instruction.
LANGUAGE ARTS
We use a literature based series, which we supplement with the best in authentic children's literature. We also use a strong phonics approach to help the children decode and encode words. We explore rhyming, alphabet, sounds, letter formation, comprehension, creative thinking, blending sounds into words, reading and writing words, sentences, and stories. Language Arts includes games, songs, poems, listening activities, group stories, journal writing and much more! To produce excited readers, it is assumed that parents are reading stories aloud to their children each day. We want to foster a passion for reading!
SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES
In Science we study plants, animals, weather, matter, movement and many other day-to-day science moments of discovery and wonder. In Social Studies we study ourselves, our uniqueness, our senses, homes, and feelings. We also learn about special holidays and special Americans. The backdrop of science and social studies is an appreciation of God's awesome love.
CENTER TIME
The time we spend in creative centers is a very valuable concept building time. We look for these objectives:
Decision making about the activity choice
Social growth and interaction
Fine motor skill development
Seeing a project from beginning to end
Responsibility for choices and the clean up of those choices
A chance to be creative, to take a risk, and to try something new
Independence and pride in their creations
Ability to problem solve
The activities are most often open-ended and allow children to use their skills and creativity.
THERE IS NO CHANCE OF BOREDOM IN KINDERGARTEN! There are so many opportunities to grow and explore!
At Center time you'll see some or all of the following choices:
Art and painting
Dramatic play
Block building area
Sensory table
Playdough
Fine motor development activities
Small building materials (Tinkertoys, Lincoln logs, Kinex etc…)
Puzzles
Teacher or parent led activities
Writing center
Reading and enjoying books
Craft activities
And much, much more...
