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Language Arts
The language arts program at the kindergarten level provides a rich variety of language experiences. Multiple activities incorporate opportunities for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Wide exposure to print and to developing concepts about it is emphasized. A literacy-rich environment featuring big books, storytelling, songs, chants and poems is created for children to engage independently, in small groups, and in whole class activities in reading and writing.
Developmental differences in children require a program that meets the needs of beginning readers as well as fluent readers. We believe children learn best when learning is meaningful, interesting and functional.
The guided reading program at WIS supports individualized reading programs which allow each student to read in a small group with the teacher everyday in school at their own reading level. The guided reading program is tailored to fit the reading needs of each child. Each week showcases a new book title (fiction and non-fiction) with follow-up activities which target reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, fluency, and writing extension projects. Guided reading time allows for a hands on approach with students moving through different centers each day of the week. The centers focus on word study, writing, listening to books on tape, writing activities, and integrating different thematic studies with a focus on the language aspect of it.
An in-depth study of communication allows children to discover how words can inform and transform. Students explore the significance of word choice, and learn that the way they think and act effects their relationships.
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A Kindergartner reading to
her 4th grade buddy.
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Mathematics
The goal of the kindergarten mathematics program is to help students develop an understanding of and gain insight into mathematical concepts through the use of concrete materials and making connection to the application level. Math manipulatives facilitate inventing, creating, communicating, negotiating, sorting, counting and community building.
The children handle data, measure, work with space and shape, find patterns, describe functions, and model number relationships during theme activities. Calendar mathematics activities may include skip counting, looking for patterns, keeping a tally, beginning place value activities, and group problem solving.
A daily math workshop is a time when specific topics and ideas are explored. The students meet in a variety of formats which include whole group instruction, small group instruction, partner activities, as well as seat work targeted to specific skill areas.
IB Units
(Science and Social Studies)
Through transdisciplinary units the students develop beginning research skills, which incorporate language arts, math, music, art, and other areas of the curriculum. Moreover, students move toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
An IB unit of inquiry into the patterns, phases and cycles of the sun and moon encourages a curiosity of the natural world. During this unit, students explore the earth's movement, shadows, gravity and solar energy.
An IB unit of inquiry exploring homes around the world allows children to explore geography. Students discover how human shelters reflect geographical location, available resources and culture.
Children learn that documenting personal histories allows us to reflect on and celebrate who we are and where we've come from. During this IB unit, students explore personal change from birth to present and discover various ways of documenting personal history.
Simple stories, songs, rhymes, and plays are the core of the Mandarin/Spanish program with emphasis placed on the communicative skills of listening and speaking. A great deal of repetition of conversational expressions and thematic vocabulary is used in an enjoyable way to allow for student success. Songs, games, and stories from the target culture establish the cultural connections of the program and provide a basis for developing global citizenship.
Studying artists and cultural arts are two ways that students learn about art. By learning about various artists, using their techniques, and having class critiques, students learn how to problem solve, communicate their ideas and feelings, and respect the work of others. Art lessons are often integrated with classroom instruction and reflect the interests of the children.
Kindergarten students begin to pay attention to visual details and appreciation of basic elements of art. Beginning math skills such as sorting and classifying objects or pictures of objects, patterns, and measurement while becoming familiar with select pieces of art.
The kindergarten music program includes a variety of singing and listening activities. Composers and significant works are explored in storytelling style and in cooperation with the projects of older grade levels. The instruments of the orchestra are presented in a hands-on manner. Children develop a basic sense of beat, rhythm, and tempo. Folk songs are presented. The goal of the program is to inspire curiosity for music.
Physical Education
Movement education is the primary focus at the primary level (Preschool-2) which includes activities to develop locomotor, non-locomotor, perceptual-motor, rhythmic, manipulative, fitness and body management skills. Many different kinds of developmental games and activities are planned to provide students with opportunities to work together to improve social and cooperative interaction skills. Students are introduced to basic health-related fitness concepts.
The goal of technology instruction is to enable students and teachers to effectively use the computer and other technology tools to enhance, support and extend students’ learning across the curriculum. Through whole and small group as well as individual instruction, the children develop a vocabulary of basic terminology, learn proper use and care of computers and other tools with increasing independence, and use developmentally appropriate software. This allows them to work on developmentally appropriate multi-media projects, gather information, and explore programs that reinforce skills being learned in the classroom.
Library/Research Skills
The primary goals of the library curriculum are to inspire students to develop a lifelong love of reading and to help them become information literate. Students are introduced to books and have the opportunity to check out books. They may return books and borrow other books on any day. Individual students, small groups of students or entire classes visit the library as needed to work on library skills and research projects related to classroom units of study
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