Dove Creek

Our goal for Kindergarten is to encourage students to love learning and to become independent learners.  We expect students to be responsible for appropriate behavior.  We encourage the classes to become communities that care for each other and work together.  We work in both large and small groups.  We often work one to one with students in order to meet their needs.

In Kindergarten, the children rotate daily for reading, writing, math and centers for their academic block.  This is a great time for them to socialize with friends and learn how to cooperate with others. Our Kindergartners participate in the following programs weekly: science, social studies, handwriting, physical education, computers, STEM, art, music, and library.

Reading, Writing and Spelling

We use a literature-based program with leveled books for reading. We incorporate phonics during instruction time. Children work in groups identifying letters of the alphabet and working on important readiness skills. We also work on identifying sounds that letters make and simple word/sentences for writing. We encourage the students to phonetically sound out words in the beginning and teach correct spelling as the year progresses.

Math

Students focus intensively on the two critical areas specified by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: We use the Bridges program along with supplemental material to teach these:

• Representing and comparing whole numbers
• Describing shapes and space.
   

Six of eight units are devoted to number and operations. They help students learn to use numbers, including written numerals, to represent quantities and solve problems; count out a given number of objects; compare sets or numerals; and model simple joining and separating situations with objects, fingers, words, actions, drawings, numbers, and equations.  The remaining two units focus on geometry. They invite students to describe and analyze the attributes of shapes in the world around them; find, count, draw, build, and compare shapes; and fit shapes together to make other shapes and complete puzzles. We also teach single digit addition, subtration and telling time.

Social Studies and Science

Units in social studies are self-concept, communities and Africa. Science units are non-living versus living things, nutrition, heat/light and sound as well as growth of plants and animals. We use the FOSS Science curriculum throughout the year. Our Science units include wood and paper. We use a multidisciplinary approach to teaching both science and social studies.