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Kindergarten Curriculum/Procedures
Language Arts
Our language arts program will be divided into and taught in four different areas: Guided Reading, Writing, Phonics and Whole Group Instruction. The combinations of these four areas will provide a strong language foundation. Guided reading will be taught through a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature both in small and large group settings. Your child will write each day. The different forms of writing will be guided through the “Write from the Beginning” Model of the writing process and the six traits of writing: ideas, word choice, organization, voice, sentence fluency, and conventions. Phonics will be taught through a hands-on approach that builds phonemic awareness, letter/sound recognition and improves decoding skills. Your child will have the opportunity to work each day independently at his/her own level. This is a great way to build self confidence and a life long love for reading.
Math
we will be working towards mastery of Common Core State Standards using Envision Math and Investigations, by Scott Foresman is the adopted math curriculum of the Deer Valley Unified School District. The program provides a balance of concepts and skills. Traditional skills and procedures are covered through distributed practice.
Reading Groups
Our class will be participating in both Small Reading Group and Whole Group instruction. These reading groups will help us provide a more individualized instruction to help meet the needs of all children. Small Reading Groups will meet 5 days a week in a Literacy Center format for 60 minutes. Whole group instruction will be teacher directed for 30 minutes each day. Students are grouped and regrouped according to their own instructional needs.
Spelling or Phonics Testing
Beginning in October all students will be tested weekly for either Phonics or Spelling depending on your child’s individual needs. On Monday your child will receive a list of letters / sounds or spelling words. Then on Friday they will be tested for mastery.
Social Studies and Science
In kindergarten, Science and Social Studies will be taught through hands-on experiences, thematic units, learning centers and authentic literature.
Lunch – ALL DAY STUDENTS ONLY
Lunch is daily at 11:30am. The first two weeks we will be doing sack lunches only. On week three hot meals may be purchased. The price is $2.50 and milk is sold separately for 35 cents. I would recommend starting a lunch account in the cafeteria in lieu of sending money with your child. Lunch account numbers will also be sent home for your child to hopefully master by January. We also have a lunch wagon in class to hold brought lunches.
Technology
A wide variety of technology will be incorporated into the curriculum and used to enhance student learning. We will have technology outcomes/ goals for each child. Students will have the opportunity to explore different types of technology and a variety of computer software. Students will visit classroom computers during Literacy Centers.
Homework
The homework assigned in our class will consist of activities that reinforce what has been taught in class and that actively involve your child’s learning. Homework assignments will be sent home Monday - Thursday. It will be sent in the daily folder located in the RETURN side in a plastic zip lock bag. Each night complete the contents, initial the newsletter homework section and return the bag to the folder the following day. Responsibility will be enforced by using a paycheck. Each child will earn a quarter for returning completed homework each day. The children will practice responsibility and money manipulation by saving and accumulating $5 to spend for a “shopping day”.
Assessment
A variety of assessment tools are used in kindergarten. These include daily observations, tests, writing rubrics, in class Reading and Math quarterly benchmark tests. We will also be completing DIBELS and DRA standardized reading assessments. Report Cards will also be sent home quarterly.
Field Trips and Special Events
Field Trips and Special Events will be held to enhance curriculum and classroom studies several times during the year. Locations and dates will be sent home prior to the unit of study.
Birthdays
You may send in a snack or goodie to celebrate your child’s birthday. We will celebrate birthdays at the end of the class. Please let me know prior to so that I can adjust our class schedule. Please also let us know if your child has any food allergies. Keep in mind all treats brought to school must be store bought with the ingredients label attached.
Parent Volunteers
I will be sending a letter home regarding the ways that you can become a part of our classroom community. I can always use the help and appreciate your willingness to share your time with us. I do ask that I have the first week or two to get to know the students and create a bonding classroom “family”.
Star Student
A different student will be chosen each week to be the “Star”. Each child will have the opportunity to bring items and pictures to share. We will use these items during the week in many activities to honor your child. Your child is also welcome to bring a snack on Friday.
Scholastic Book Orders
Books are a great inexpensive way to increase your child’s home library. These book clubs offer children's books at great prices. We also earn many extra classroom materials for purchasing from these clubs. Book orders will be sent home monthly beginning in September.