Kindergarten Curriculum
Under Construction - To be updated for the 2008/2009 curriculum standards
Language Arts
Reading
Begin demonstrating the concepts of print.
Activate prior knowledge to construct meaning from pictures illustrations.
Make predictions using context and picture clues.
Show the sound/symbol relationship.
Experience grade specific genre in a variety of settings.
Participate in "independent reading" for five minutes daily.
Writing
Write to communicate a message for a variety of purposes using the developmental states of writing.
Individually or collaboratively help to create language experiences and dictated stories.
Demonstrate emergent writing behaviors.
Listening
Demonstrate appropriate listening behaviors
Listen critically to a short story which includes a clear sequence of three events and retell that story.
Determine patterns and rhymes in a meaningful context and apply them in oral, musical, pictorial, and/or written products.
Speaking
Convey a spoken message using verbal and nonverbal communication in a one-to-one or group setting.
Research/Study Skills
Become aware of appropriate resources that can be accessed for information.
Science
Seasons
Children investigate and describe what weather is and how it changes.
Describe appropriate activities for each season.
Plants
Classify living and non-living things.
Observe plant parts and why they are different and what function they perform
Health
The kindergarten health education curriculum focuses on:
Making friends and getting along with others.
Ears and sound.
Eyes and sight.
Smelling, tasting and touching.
Poison prevention.
Staying safe when walking and riding.
Health helpers and health habits.
Nutritious foods.
Dental health.
Saying "No" to drugs and being careful with medicine.
Mathematics
Mathematical Thinking In Kindergarten
Students recognize, describe, and extend patterns in number, data, and space. This initial unit is designed to access student understanding of a wide range of mathematical concepts to create a base for effective instruction. Opportunities for students to engage in the use of models, numbers, and words to share their mathematical thinking allows for the introduction of a multitude of materials while also establishing classroom routines.
Pattern, Trains and Hopscotch Paths
Students investigate what makes a pattern and how patterns give us information in order to predict what will come next. They have many opportunities to copy, construct, and extend linear patterns. They also create rhythmic pattern routines using their bodies.
Collecting, Counting and Measuring
Students explore numbers and number relationships through a variety of counting experiences. They count sets of classroom materials and play mathematical games. With repeated opportunities to count in real ways, students build their knowledge of the counting sequence and the quantities those numbers represent. Students begin to explore ways to use pictures, numerals, objects, and words to represent quantities.
Counting Ourselves and Others
Students use counting, sorting and classifying to collect, organize and represent information about themselves, their classmates and their environment. They solve mathematical problems based on their life experience. Students engage in a variety of activities, which involve describing objects and classifying them according to common attributes.
Social Studies
The purpose of the kindergarten social studies curriculum is to provide experiences to help children become caring and competent citizens. These experiences will help children develop an understanding of themselves and others as members of their school community. Children will begin to recognize that all people share universal characteristics and that physical and cultural differences occur among people and places.
Physical Education
The elementary physical education department delivers curriculum including physical fitness, cognitive understanding, motor skills, leisure, skills and personal/social skill components. Physical education classes meet twice weekly for thirty minute periods.
Music
Kindergarten students receive thirty minutes of music instruction once a week. The seven strands of the TCAPS Music Curriculum are: singing, playing instruments, music literacy, listening, movement, creativity and music in relation to history, culture and other disciplines. The students experience activities in all seven areas through American folk songs, singing games and dances.
Library
The elementary library media centers are the heart of education at TCAPS. With a minimum of thirty minutes at the library each week, our students are surrounded by wonderful resources for school research and individual reading enjoyment. Special reading promotions throughout the year encourage students to develop a love of reading and a desire to "find out more" at the library.
Student Assistance
The student assistance program provides intervention strategies for students experiencing difficulties in the school setting that may interfere with their social, emotional and/or academic development. Prevention services are provided to foster healthy lifestyles among students. Students with parent permission may access services. Recommendations may include short term counseling, participation in support groups offered during the school day, or a referral to a community resource.
Classroom Tools
Minimum of three desktop computers
Access to Wide Area Network
Access to Internet and World Wide Web
Access to Software
Television
Video Cassette Recorder
Telephone
Electronic and Voice Messaging System