Ms. Barsch, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Boatwright,
                                                                                           Ms. Hassall, Ms. Munk

"ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN!"
Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in Kindergarten.  Wisdom was not at the top  of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at Sunday school.  These are the things I learned.
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and milk are good for you.
Life a balanced life - learn some and think some,
draw and paint, and sing and dance, and play and work some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic,
hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Check out our monthly calendar to see what is happening in class:

May Calendar

~READING~

~Our language arts program creates an environment where children develop a love of reading and writing. We consider this one of our most important aspects.
~Students experience a balanced literacy approach, which focuses on reading, writing, speaking and listening.
~Phonics and whole language are integrated as the students study the alphabet.
~The students are exposed to sight words throughout the year.
~Writing strategies are modeled through guided writing and practice in kindergarten journals.
~The program is an introduction to reach the objective that all students will recognize all letter names and sounds quickly as well as being able to apply them to their reading and writing.
~Students are also introduced to the mechanics of writing, including letter formation, punctuation, word spacing and word families.

~MATH~

~Students enjoy a hands-on approach in their development of mathematical concepts.
~Kindergarteners are introduced to math manipulative they will be using throughout their elementary school years.
~Units and concepts include developing number sense, time, money, basic geometry, patterns, graphing, comparisons, sorting, classifying, critical thinking, and basic addition and subtraction.
~The calendar is taught and reviewed daily throughout the year, as well.
~Students will focus on problem solving strategies using manipulative to master specific skills.

~Science and Social Studies~

~These curriculums are taught through thematic units, integrating reading, writing and mathematical concepts.
~Some of the units include: Me, My Friends, and Self Esteem, The Weather, Holidays, Plants and Animals, The Five Senses, Living and Dead Through Extinction, Community Helpers and Transportation.

~Motor Skills~

~Many of the Kindergarten activities are focused around building the students fine motor skills as well as building on academic skills.
~Research supports that development of fine motor skills in young children is directly linked to complex brain functions such as language skills. It is important to monitor these skills as they mature and build progress by playing games and activities that contribute directly to that area of development.
~We encourage parents to practice building these skills with clay, cushy balls, tearing paper, pushing across the floor with hands and such activities that build the muscles in the child's hands and upper body.

~Social and Learning Skills~

~Students learn to become good listeners and take turns talking.
~Students learn to work together cooperatively.
~Students learn to follow school rules.
~Students learn to be responsible and respectful of others.

~As well as working within the classroom, students participate in each of these special classes 20 minutes a week.


~Art classes with Mr. Dix where students learn about primary colors and difference between warm and cool colors.

 ~Computer Skills Classes with Mrs. Walker where students begin to learn about the parts of a computer and how a computer works using the mouse and keyboard. Students play interactive games to learn mouse control and eventually learn to type using the keyboard.

~Technology Education with Mrs. Nelson where students learn the principles of technology using K'Nex, Legos, Uberstix, robots and paper supplies.

~Music Class with Mrs. Schwab where students learn to sing and play musical instruments.

~Physical Education Class with Ms. Olsen where students learn to exercise and develop a number of gross motor skills including: throwing, catching, kicking and striking.

~Library with Mrs. Nisson where students learn to listen politely to stories and library skills which include finding and checking out books.

 We teach Kindergarten for all the little reasons!
We are proud to be Kindergarten teachers!
Ms. Barsch, Ms. Munk and Mrs.Boatwright