Junior Kindergarten Course of Study

Language Arts
The Junior Kindergarten Language Arts program is an extension of our preschool curriculum with an emphasis on

Letter and sound recognition Phonemic awareness Vocabulary enrichment Handwriting practice and inventive spelling

Beginning skills in reading and writing are fostered through the use of a variety of materials such as songs, puzzles, games, manipulatives. Group discussions help the children to verbalize their thoughts, build a rich vocabulary and instill a sense of self-confidence. Numerous phonic books and trade books are used to enhance the Scott Foresman Kindergarten Reading series.

Math
The Junior Kindergarten Singapore Math curriculum introduces the following concepts that emphasizes the application of mathematics to the real world:

Sorting and categorizing based on color, shape, size and texture

Number recognition and 1 to 1 correspondence Pattern discrimination and sequencing Number sense and comparisons Capacity and measurement using non-standard units Graphs Introduction to number bonds

The activities and materials provided enable the students to distinguish between the concrete and abstract, explore logical reasoning and critical thinking and to build creations that expand spatial perceptions.

Social Studies
A multicultural approach to Social Studies involves projects and stories that revolve around special topics each month. Halloween, Native Americans, Thanksgiving, Holidays around the world, Medieval Times, are some of the themes discussed.

Science
The approach to Science is hands-on. Light, gravity, magnetism are some of the scientific concepts explored through play and simple experimentation. In addition units on weather, seasons, plants, animals and their environments, food and nutrition provide a sound science base for Junior Kindergarten. The school campus is also used for nature walks and science projects.

Technology
Technology is integrated into the Junior Kindergarten curriculum. The Smart Board is used as an instructional tool. Almost all the computer programs at this level require no reading which allows the students to work independently. Monthly projects reinforce classroom themes. The students progress from simple illustration programs to more advanced skills. We also venture up to the Tech Center where the technology staff assists with group projects.

Art
Art is a part of our daily activities. Planned activities are directed by the teacher for holidays, supplemental support for Social Studies and Science or developing certain fine motor skills. The various art materials provided and the projects designed train the students to stretch their imagination and express themselves in a creative fashion.

Music
We meet with our music teacher, Mrs. Stanly, twice a week. The program provides the students with the opportunity to learn some basic musical concepts through singing, creative movement and rhythm instruments.

Physical Education
We have P.E. twice a week with our P.E. instructor, Mr. Raul. The program includes swimming in the late spring in our outdoor pool and games and tumbling activities in our multi-purpose room during inclement weather. The fields and playgrounds on campus are also used to advance gross-motor skills.

Library
Library class is once a week with Ms. Samowitz. The students are allowed to check out a book of their choice for a week.

Foreign Language: French and Spanish

The Junior Kindergarten class meets with the language teacher twice a week. The lessons are taught through games, songs, crafts and stories. The goal is to begin laying a foundation for language study and bring about cultural awareness in young minds.

Madame Starfield

Seora Ochoa

The Junior Kindergarten curriculum is designed to focus on the multiple aspects of students learning and growth-social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative. Our prime objective is to nurture students love of learning, encourage their growing independence and sense of responsibility and help them refine their ability to follow through on commitments.