Our Kindergarten Curriculum

Books and stories are an important part of our curriculum. We read many books for each theme and make them available to the children to enjoy during "Book Time." We learn about, look at and read a variety of books during "Reader's Workshop." We make, read and take home easy-to-read books so we can practice reading at home. We also have over a thousand books in our classroom library for the children to choose from to take home and read as their "Buddy Book" every night.
In 08-09 we will focus on Lakeview's Lifeskills all year long. The new Lifeskill of the Week is announced at the Monday Morning Meeting when the whole school assembles in the gym room to start our week.

As part of our Seasons Theme and Trees Theme, we will observe the changes
in the trees next to the Kdg Terrace and at the lake all year long.

September: Lifeskills   Classroom Routines and Procedures
Myself, I am Special   School Friends   Colors and Shapes

October: Fire Safety and Visit from the Ridley Park Fire Dept.
Trees in the Fall    

November: Continue Trees in the Fall
Grandparent's Day Nov 26, 2008     Lifeskills at Thanksgiving

December:   Trees in the Winter and Evergreen Trees
Conferences     Lifeskills during Holiday Activities

January: Lifeskills   Classroom Routines and Procedures
Continue Trees in the Winter
Bears    Winter Weather

February: Birds   Valentine's Day

March:   Dr. Seuss Books     Conferences
Dinosaurs

April:   Trees in the Spring   Farm Animals
Lifeskills   Classroom Routines and Procedures
Dinosaur Day (date to be announced)

May:   Zoo Animals   Mother's Day   Trip to the Zoo

June:   Summer and Vacation Plans

Other Subjects

Writing - We are implementing a systematic program called Kid Writing.

Handwriting - We are using a program by Jan Z. Olsen called Handwriting Without Tears.
Print this alphabet to see how your child should practice forming the letters at home.

Math - We are using a Math program called Everyday Mathematics, The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. We play games to learn many skills. We will be using manipulatives such as pattern blocks, unifix cubes, wooden blocks and a variety of items for sorting. We will also be counting, making and reading graphs, copying and making patterns, comparing, classifying, labeling, and adding and subtracting. Every week you will receive a Family Letter with a math activity to try at home with your child. Here are some Math Resources and other Math websites for young children on the internet.

Science - New in 04-05 - FOSS Kit: Trees

Social Studies Alive! is new in 08-09.
Thematic units may change as this new series is implemented.
http://www.teachtci.com/products/wProgramChapters.aspx?ProgramID=3

Gym - Mr. Small and Mr. Himler are our gym teachers. Your child should wear sneakers. Dark or stone colored sweat pants may be worn on gym days.

In September 2004, Music Class was cut from all half day Kindergarten programs in Ridley School District.
In September 2006, Kdg had Music with Mrs. Boettcher and Ms. Mills. Music in 07-08 is every other week.

Library - Both of Mrs. Jones' Classes visit the library on _______. Mrs. Kane's Class goes on ______. The children choose their own book to check out to take home. They must follow all the library rules, including paying a fine if the book is returned after the due date or paying for a lost or damaged book. A permission slip is required in Kindergarten before children can check out a book from Lakeview's Library for the first time.

Our Small Group Learning Time

Three times a week in each class we have our small group time. For an hour your child will spend 20 minutes with the classroom teacher, 20 minutes with the instructional aide, and finally 20 minutes with the reading specialist. We will be doing activities that reinforce The Letter and Sound of the Week, Word of the Week, handwriting, phonemic awareness, math concepts, concepts from our thematic units and journal writing.

Read about the Standards we have in Kindergarten.


Parent Helpers

A note from Mrs. Jones: Please do not wear PERFUME, BODY LOTION, HAIR SPRAY or ANY FRAGRANCE in our classroom. I am extremely allergic to many scents which cause me to have an asthma attack.

We would love to have a parent helper on the days when we don't have our hourly small group time. A sign up sheet will be passed around by a homeroom parent before and after school at the end of the month. If you have a day off from work and would like to come in to help, but haven't signed up for a date, please send me a note or Email so we can work something out. Since we can only have parent helpers twice a week, we are counting on your help. If you can't make it on the day you signed up for, please notify the homeroom parent so she can try to find someone to take your place.

Click here for
"Kid Writing" Teaching Tips for Kindergarten Helpers
adapted by Mrs. King


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