4K Curriculum (age 4 becoming 5)

Language Arts

4K students will provide a rich variety of language experiences with opportunities for listening, comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing. Children will use oral language for social interaction and gathering knowledge of the world. They will communicate needs, feelings and ideas in response to activities in the class.

A literacy-rich environment featuring print, big books, storytelling, songs, chants and poems is created for children to engage independently, in small groups, and in whole class activities in reading. Children are encouraged to advance their reading abilities through guided reading, phonics and whole language instruction.

The children will be provided with opportunities to write often. They will refine their fine motor skills and begin to write letter and words more clearly.

Through an IB unit of inquiry, students will explore different types of literature. They will discover the difference between fiction and non-fiction. They will learn that stories are meant to inform, provoke and provide pleasure.

Mathematics

The WIS math program helps students to develop an understanding of concepts through the use of concrete materials. Math manipulatives facilitate inventing, creating, communicating, negotiating, sorting, counting and community building.

Through counting songs, rhymes and number literature, children will establish their knowledge of numbers and counting to one hundred. They will recognize and use numerals to represent quantities.

Children will match, categorize and sort objects. They will form numbers, use comparative language, name 2D and 3D shapes, and use sets to display simple data.

Children will explore the concepts of addition, subtraction and measurement. They will also develop pre-algebra, pre-geometry and problem-solving skills.

IB Units (Science and Social Studies)

Science for 4K children is about using observational skills to investigate their world.

Children begin looking at cause and effect, understanding the needs of living things, investigating seasonal changes and recording information in drawings.

They will use tools to gather information, compare and observe objects and see answers to questions through active investigation. Children will hypothesize and make predictions. They will form explanations based on trial and error, observations and explorations.

During an IB unit of inquiry, the students will explore their five senses. Through a variety of experiences and hands-on activities, students will discover how we use our senses to explore the world around us. They will also investigate the role of our sense in keeping us healthy and safe.

4K students will recognize and respect shared and different characteristics of self and others, including values and beliefs. They will understand family and community interdependence. Children will comprehend the concepts of fairness and equality and the reason for rules and laws. They will recognize the interdependence of humans with the natural world.

From Field to Table is another IB unit of inquiry for the 4K students. The main idea of the unit is that many foods need to be transported and processed before they reach the table.

An IB unit of inquiry will allow the children to explore how friendships enrich our lives. The children will discuss the characteristics of a healthy friendship and explore how to be a good friend.

Mandarin or Spanish Language

With little effort children can engage in a second language. Through songs and rhymes they are introduced to simple communication skills. They will learn greetings and phrases, counting and stories.

Art

Children in this grade use art to express feelings and explore ideas. They actively participate in art production, development of fine motor skills, sensory exploration and manipulation.

Use various tools and techniques in completing art projects: crayons, markers, brushes, clay, paste, cut straight lines and shapes with scissors, use found objects and various materials to assemble simple sculptures, crafts and toys from many cultures.

Music

Music in the 4K classroom is designed for students to “learn through play.” By listening to a variety of music styles and responding with movement, the children will appreciate music. The children will develop a rudimentary sense of rhythm.

Physical Education

Movement education is the primary focus at the primary level, which includes activities to develop locomotor, non-locomotor, perceptual-motor, rhythmic, manipulative, control and balance. Many different kinds of developmental games and activities are planned to provide the children with opportunities to work together to improve social and cooperative interaction skills.