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| Kindergarten Curriculum
Wow! What an exciting time: You are beginning the process of choosing a Kindergarten for your child. We invite you to consider Visitation School where your child will be welcomed and respected for the unique learner he/she is at each point in his/her educational journey.
Kindergarteners are full of energy, joy, and wonder. At Visitation School we understand and nurture that energy by providing an active, all day, everyday Kindergarten program.
We believe that five and six year olds have unique learning needs and one of our goals is to build a bridge for your child from preschool learning to classroom learning. In building this bridge we support Kindergarteners’ needs for active learning with a gradual introduction of more formal lessons.
Our daily schedule includes a variety of small group, whole group and individual learning experiences supported by two highly qualified teachers in the classroom. In order to meet individual needs the children spend part of the day working in learning centers. The Kindergarten teachers guide and support each child, while encouraging independence and leadership skills.
Our balanced approach to literacy and reading readiness uses a blend of literature, phonics, shared reading, guided reading, and writing experiences to build a base for first grade. Because there is a naturally wide range of reading readiness and reading abilities in Kindergarten we get to know your child and then work to extend the knowledge and skills they already have, challenging them reach their full potential.
In math we take a hands on approach where learning is interactive; using manipulatives, games, and activities to learn about mathematical concepts. We explore and develop number sense, patterning, sorting, geometry, data gathering, and math thinking.
Kindergarteners are interested in the world around them and our social studies units begin with self and family; later exploring our school community; wants and needs unit; and culminating with a then and now unit. We also integrate map reading and other geographical skills throughout the year.
Our three major science units are taught across the year with inquiry, observation, and connections to other curricular areas being emphasized. These units- trees, wood/paper, and animals- build on each other and allow us to take advantage of our outdoor classroom and surrounding ponds.
We are often asked if we teach religion at the Kindergarten level and the answer is, "Yes, everyday!” This teaching is both formal and informal, with teachers modeling Salesian virtues, peaceful behavior, and problem solving. We pray each day and also have planned experiences that help the children experience God, community, and prayer.
Because at Visitation we believe in educating the whole child, Kindergarteners visit specialists in music, physical education, art, computer, and library each week. They are also exposed to the languages of French, Spanish, and Chinese.
Our kindergarten program sets the stage for later learning, illustrated by our school motto, “Non scholae, Sed vitae; Not for School, but for Life.” |
