Welcome to Welcome to KindergartenKindergartenWelcome to Welcome to

KindergartenKindergarten

Back-to-School NightBack-to-School Night

September 2013September 2013

All About Kindergarten

• Curriculum• Homework• Discipline• Parent-Teacher Communication• Volunteer Opportunities• Miscellaneous

Kindergarten Curriculum

(Archdiocesan-based Standards)

• Integrated Language Arts (ILA)• Math• Religion• Social Studies• Science• Learning Centers• Resource Classes

Integrated Language Arts

Assessment &

Evaluation

FlexibleGrouping

LiteracyCenters

Writing Process

Thematic Units

Phonics

Big Books

ILA

Reading is a Process…

• Observation/modeling

• Oral language development

• Letter recognition• Print awareness• Letter writing and

letter sounds• Recognizing high

frequency words

ILA Emphasizes 3 Key Areas:

• Reading-- The ability to identify words by sight or by decoding.

• Comprehension-- Understanding what is read.

• Written Expression-- Handwriting/letter formation-- Personal reflection

ILA Programs• Saxon Phonics

-- Focuses on identifying words.-- Emphasizes phonemic awareness & phonics-- Features daily practice.-- New concepts build upon those

previously taught.-- Letter formation uses skywriting techniques & practice sheets.

ILA Programs (cont’d)

• Macmillan/McGraw-Hill-- Develops comprehension strategies-- Story structure-- Story elements-- Cause & effect-- Features writing activities that

reinforce strategies taught-- Writing allows for personal

expression

Our ILA Program…• Appeals to various

learning styles• Is interactive,

game-oriented• Features whole

class & small group activities

• Provides instruction for all levels of learners

Kindergarten Math

MacmillanMcGraw-Hill

Introduce The Lesson

Teach And

Practice

Assess and AssignSmall Group Options

In math we use…• Teddy bear

counters• Pattern blocks• Attribute Buttons• Dot cubes• Connecting cubes• Graphs• Two colored

counters

Attend Mass monthlyPrayer PartnersDaily Prayer in classroomCommunity Service Project

Religion

Religion

• Builds upon our school-wide theme.

• Features 2 textbooks:-- We Believe (Sadlier Publishers) -- Benzinger Family Life

• Active involvement of children.

Benzinger Family Life

• Instruction of Catholic morals & values for contemporary families

• Five themes:-- Family, Self, Life, Love, Community

• K-8th grade-- Lessons interspersed throughout

school year-- Features home/school connection

Social Studies

• National Geographic

• Weekly Reader• Current Events• Basic Geography• Communities• Government• Citizenship

Science• Science Tools• Animals• Plants• Habitats• Day and Night• Earth’s Resources• Weather and Seasons • Matter, Energy &

Motion

Learning Centers

• 8 Activity Centers

• Individual and small group activities

We love Centers!• Art

• Blocks

• Dramatic Play

• Prayer

Learning is Fun!

• Computer

• Literacy

• Math

• Science

Resource Classes•Spanish• Ms. Monica

•Library• Mrs. Hartig

Resource Classes

•Art• Mrs. Sherlock

Computer

Mrs. Williams

Resource Classes• Music• Mrs. Chamberlain

• Physical Education• Mrs. Dukera

Homework• Mon. – Thurs.

• Math

• ILA

• Religion

Discipline

• Emphasize positive behavior• Good choices are encouraged• Behavior chart used (Turn a Card)

• Positive reinforcement• Marble Jar• Loss of some recess time

Parent-Teacher Communication

• Teacher websiteolgskin.weebly.com

• Notes Place in plastic folder with my

name.

• Telephone messages OLGS :410-329-6956 Mailbox #138

• E-mail (lensor@ourladygrace.org)

Parent Volunteers

• Room Parents • Scholastic Book Club• Materials Prep• Field Trip Chaperones• Play dough Maker• Classroom Helpers

Important Info.

• Birthdays

• Show & Tell

• Field Trips

• Scholastic Books

• Healthy Snack and Lunch

• School website

• Course of Study

• Rest Time

Our Classroom RuleThe Golden

Rule

Treat others the way you want to be treated.