Mathematics In kindergarten, the Singapore Math approach is utilized through the Math in Focus curriculum. The concrete-pictorial-abstract methodology of introducing topics and skills through Math in Focus allows students to gain an understanding of numbers and the Base Ten system through manipulatives and pictorial representations before moving to more abstract concepts. Social Studies Using Nystrom’s Encompass program, which focuses on hands-on geography to increase engagement, students will work cooperatively and analyze different maps in order to explore our world. The program is “hosted” by a group of friendly Planet Pals who guide kindergartners in exploring family, friends, and themselves as well as towns, our country, and the wider world. Project Work Presentations are frequently prepared and given to various audiences as a culmination of project work. These presentations come in many formats. Project work frequently involves science topics. Music Small group creative projects are introduced in the context of music. Musical rhythms are written down with word associations. Students began to organize musical and dance elements into short elemental compositions. Words are orchestrated with classroom percussion instruments. Classroom xylophones are used to explore pitch concepts and amplify literature. Physical Education Kindergarten physical education helps students develop their skill sets in a variety of areas to help them build confidence, coordination, and a love for healthy living and being active. Students practice skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking. In addition, obstacle courses test their agility, balance beams become their tightropes, and scooters fuel their need for speed. As students progress, they are introduced to exciting games with rules that challenge them to collaborate and follow instructions.
Visual Art Students begin creating multi-step and multi-class projects. Exploration, care, and proper technique of materials is taught and practiced. Basic elements of art (line, shape, color, texture) are identified through various applications. Students create a body of art throughout the year based on past and current artist inspirations. Fine motor skills, such as cutting, are practiced, and directed drawing is implemented throughout the year. A kindergarten project might include, but is not limited to, the art of Henri Matisse, with the creation of a still life painting. Yoga and Built to Thrive Students meet with a childhood yoga instructor as a group once a month for yoga. They learn how to calm their body and incorporate mindfulness techniques into their lives. The Built to Thrive program meets twice a month for kindergarten students. This program enhances social-emotional intelligence through literature, play, and reflection. Built to Thrive provides thoughtful activities to practice students’ social-emotional learning, develop empathy for others, and practice problem-solving skills. Students also work on identifying and managing their own and others’ emotions.
Kindergarten
The kindergarten experience provides a stimulating learning environment for students as they continue to broaden their experiences with project work and strengthen and expand the academic and social skills acquired during the early childhood years . We continue to provide “hands-on” experience in all fields of study as students increase their skills in literacy, mathematics, science, the arts, physical education, and cooperation and collaboration.
Literacy The reading curriculum is designed to develop confidence, independence, and enjoyment while reading. Kindergarten students learn active reading strategies to help them analyze and understand fiction and nonfiction text. Decodable texts, reflective of the science of reading, provide the foundation of our literacy program. Reading skills at this level include comparing and contrasting fiction and nonfiction, identifying plot, characters, and setting, making inferences, naming the main idea and supporting details, making predictions, and linking text to the children’s personal experience. Classroom “read alouds” foster and enhance the love and joy of reading.
Phonemic Awareness Using both whole-group and individual instruction, phonemic awareness involves naming consonant and vowel sounds as well as manipulating sounds. Students begin blending and segmenting CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words. Word Study Kindergarten students develop a strong foundation for understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. Students practice reading and spelling CVC words, identifying and spelling sight words, and using CVC and sight words in sentences. Digraphs are also introduced. Writing Students are instructed in the correct formation of upper and lowercase letters. Writing is practiced daily through whole group activities, journals, and creative writing opportunities.
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
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Lower School | Kindergarten
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