Kindergarten Curriculum
Math Reading Writing Religion Science & Social Studies
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Gesu kindergarten uses the Math Central Series (Houghton Mifflin), which introduces math concepts in a variety of ways. A good deal of math concepts are developed during calendar time, including patterning, number recognition and order, and concepts of "before" and "after". Additionally, the series provides ample "hands-on" opportunities through a variety of math games and manipulatives, as well as through books and poems. In addition to the hands-on activities, math concepts are reinforced through individual activity pages.
Our reading series is Kindergarten Works (Silver Burdett Ginn), which provides the children with small "readables" (books that are the perfect size for kindergartners!) and "big books". In addition to provide a broad range of activity sheets, the series offers a great deal of ideas for integrating reading across the curriculum.
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At Gesu, we believe phonics to be an important part of a reading program. Our phonics
program is based on the phonics series put out by Modern Curriculum Press, and is easily integrated with our Kindergarten Works reading
series
Writing is introduced in kindergarten at Gesu. The children each have their own writing
folder, in which they keep a writing journal and their own dictionary. The writing folders
allow success for all children, regardless of their writing level. Some children begin the
year only knowing how to scribble; others write random letters; still others can write
entire sentences.
After spending time writing in their writing books, the children conference with one of their teachers. During conference time, the children dictate their writing to the teacher; the teacher then re-writes the child's words, so the child may see the correct way to write their words. It is certainly exciting to watch as the children develop their writing throughout the year!
During kindergarten we also work on handwriting, teaching the children how to correctly write letters, and providing ample practice in handwriting. We utilize the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting series in working with the children on this skill.
In kindergarten we instruct the children both formally and informally in Christian values and their Catholic traditions. We use the Christ Our Life (Loyola Press) series to guide our religious instruction. In our instruction, we rely heavily on classroom discussion, and take advantage of the natural curiosity and enthusiasm that a kindergarten-aged child has about God. Further, we prepare the children for the various religious holidays and feast days that we celebrate throughout the year. Although the kindergartners do not go to mass every week, they do go to each all-school Mass.
Science and social studies are both integrated across the curriculum at the kindergarten level. We provide many opportunities, both formally and informally, for the class to discuss issues pertaining to both subjects. Additionally, we provide formal, hands-on science activities with the use of SKITT Kits. Small group activities and discussions that accompany Weekly Reader provide concrete social studies concepts for the children to explore.
Kallay K001
