Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a transitional year from the play-based learning of Preschool and PreK to the expectations of elementary school. It is still a time of group activity, song and fun yet with an emphasis on the wonder of God’s creation and of knowledge. The core subjects of Reading, Language, Math,and Religion are often integrated using the skills of one to strengthen the learning of the other subjects.
This is the beginning of the Grammar stage where the solid foundations of language, faith, and the sciences are laid. Our academic theme this year is Ancient Civilizations where our students will hear the stories and participate in activities related to this foundational time in world civilization.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In kindergarten the solid development of language skills is paramount. At this level students perfect their knowledge of the alphabet, not just through the writing of the letters and their use in simple words and sentences, but through the knowledge of the sounds letters make. Our teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham method of speech development and use these skills as they teach each letter. The result is students with a firm grasp of the sounds of English.
The Orton-Gillingham method is a multi-sensory approach to teach all components of language development. Lessons are prescriptive, diagnostic, and individualized. The senses are engaged simultaneously to create the neural network that students need to manipulate the components of language structure.
Phonics, spelling, reading skills, and comprehension are all taught through the Super Kids series produced by Zaner-Bloser.
Super Kids is our introductory reading program for students in Kindergarten and First Grade. Published by Zaner-Bloser, it incorporates all the language arts, integrating and overlapping skills from unit to unit and from grade to grade. In kindergarten, students strengthen their alphabetical skills, and with the integration of Orton –Gillingham learn the correct pronunciation of each letter. They then apply their new skills to blend letter-sounds to read and write words and sentences. Reading focuses on developing strong blending, decoding, and fluency skills while building vocabulary and comprehension. Students learn basic mechanics and aspects of the writing process, as they become more comfortable and fluent in their language skills.
Our handwriting program is Writing Our Catholic Faith by Universal Publications. This handwriting series builds on previously learned skills to help students continue to develop manuscript handwriting. Traceable words and sentences reinforce proper letter formation, letter and word spacing. Beautiful Catholic pictures and enjoyable activities keep students engaged in each lesson
RELIGION
Students are introduced to the beautiful fact that God loves them, and they are called to love one another. They are introduced to Jesus, Mary, the Church, the Saints, and the basic beliefs of Catholicism.
In addition, they join all students in daily prayer, weekly Mass, and age-appropriate devotions. Our text is Blest Are We published by RCL Benziger
MATHEMATICS
Students, who were introduced to numbers in PreK, now use them to count to 100, and work on simple addition, subtraction, and word problems. They work with shapes as well, introducing them to the rudiments of geometry.
Our text is Progress in Mathematics published by Sadlier. Progress in Mathematics provides rigorous content focused on building deep conceptual understanding of key math skills and concepts at each grade level in an orderly, natural format.
SCIENCE
One of the beauties of Saint Mary School is the immense campus on which we are located. Our teachers take advantage of this by introducing their students to the beauties and wonder of God’s creation through nature walks, material gathering, nature crafts and similar pursuits.
HISTORY
History, along with language and religion, are the foundational subjects of classical education. At this level students learn ancient history by listening to, discussing the stories, and doing related activities.
The text is The Story of the World-volume 1: Ancient Times published by Well Trained Mind Press. As we want students to strengthen their listening skills and powers of their imagination, only the teacher has the text used with an engaging and reinforcing activity book. This series is used through fourth grade.
In addition, each day students participate in either Latin, Art, Music, Gym, or Library.