KINDERGARTEN - Curriculum
The Diamond Path Kindergarten program uses an integrated approach to the teaching of the content areas. Curriculum frameworks and resources of District #196 are used as a support to the thematic units of study.
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts program includes beginning reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, speaking and listening. Literacy skills and strategies are taught through modeled and shared reading and writing, which are integrated into all areas of the curriculum. Children will have the opportunity to practice their knowledge through independent and guided activities. These activities are designed to meet the unique needs of each learner and are appropriate for engaging five and six year olds. Houghton Mifflin, Zaner-Bloser and Rigby are our resources available.
MATH
While connecting mathematical experiences to the world around them, young children are challenged to become increasingly sophisticated in dealing with mathematical concepts. The elementary mathematics curriculum builds on students' math understanding, skills, and proficiency at each grade level, as appropriate, by integrating concepts such as number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students also engage in problem solving, reasoning, and communicating ideas while making connections to the world around them. Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley Mathematics and Investigations in Number, Data, and Space are our resouces available.
SCIENCE
The science curriculum, FOSS (Full Option Science System), provides opportunities for students to learn science concepts through hands-on activities. Students learn to observe, compare, collect data, organize and analyze information, and communicate what they have learned. The investigations include: trees, animals two by two, fabric, wood and paper.
SOCIAL STUDIES, HEALTH, AND GUIDANCE
The district curriculum, A Healthy Self in a Healthy World, provides opportunities for children to understand themselves and others in social settings. Topics include emotions, academic self-awareness, similarities and differences between cultures, and relating to others in school and community environments.
ART
Art experiences and crafts utilize a variety of media and are done on a regular basis in the classroom. We also have parent volunteers who are trained through the Minneapolis Institute of Art to present pieces of artwork to our classes. This program is known as “Art Adventures”. Another resource used is Discover Art.
TECHNOLOGY
Our building is fortunate to have a computer in every classroom, as well as a computer lab. Children will be exposed to basic keyboarding and multimedia programs
LIBRARY
All kindergartners will be going to visit Mrs. Schueller, our Media Specialist, for a library lesson, story and book checkout. Whenever they return their book, a new one may be checked out.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
When weather permits, we may go outdoors for games, movement or play. As weather gets colder, we will send a note home informing you when your child needs to bring snowpants and boots. At other times, we may use our multi-purpose room for large muscle activities. Please make sure that your child wears shoes with non-marking soles.