Kindergarten
“All I really need to know, I learned in kindergarten.”
Welcome to Kindergarten!
It’s time for your child to begin the journey of being a lifelong learner! The kindergarten program at Todd School is developmental in nature, and nurtures the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of the whole child. Our program is carefully planned to provide a continuity of experiences which promote growth, challenge students to think creatively, and encourage development of many new skills. Activities are child-centered and differentiated in order to meet the needs of the various learners in the classroom. These opportunities build a sense of positive self-concept, competency, and success! The teachers look forward to a year of partnership with parents, and open communication to ensure a happy, positive first year at Todd School!
Language Arts
“Pearson Reading Street”
- A research-based core reading program used school-wide
- Balanced literacy program using motivating and engaging literature (including Science and Social Studies concepts)
- Infuses technology
- Contains essential focus questions
- Student literature selections are based on a common theme in all genres where oral language literacy and listening skills are emphasized during shared reading and teacher read alouds
- Throughout the week, a particular comprehension skill/strategy is taught, along with story vocabulary, phonics and spelling, grammar, and writing
- Students practice these specific skills many times throughout the week as a whole class, during small group guided reading instruction, and at practice stations both independently and with peers
- Teachers differentiate instruction and use a variety of strategies to create successful readers and writers
- Children are assessed at regular intervals to determine growth and areas of further needed instruction
Math
“Primary Math”
- Math learning experiences begin with concrete and pictorial stages, and progress to the abstract stage to enable children to meaningfully learn mathematics
- Kindergarten math goal: have children be able to successfully understand and decompose numbers for problem solving purposes
- This learning approach encourages active thinking processes, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving skills
Science (STEM)/Social Studies
- The Kindergarten Science and Social Studies Curricula are based on concepts and skills (listed below) using various genres, technology, and hands-on activities. Science units include Physical and Life Science Units.
- Labeling
- Non-fiction text (whole group read, small group, individual)
- Recording observations
- Making predictions
- Journaling
- Community building and importance of being a good citizen
- Identifying the difference between needs and wants
Great websites to use at home!