Kindergarten Curriculum

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Kindergarten

Language Arts (Harcourt / Zoo Phonics / Home Reading Program)

  • Individualized one-on-one daily leveled reading.
  • High-quality literature, fiction, nonfiction, poems, rhymes, and fables.
  • Shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading.
  • Balanced approach which includes both phonics and whole language.
  • Positive, creative atmosphere where students are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas through written form, both in authorship and illustrations.
  • Weekly visits to the Wilmot Library where students check out books to take home.

Handwriting (Zaner-Bloser)

  • Focus on correct pencil grip and letter formation.
  • Identify vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

Math/Engineering (TERC / McGraw Hill / STEM Engineering Kit / Rockets with Raytheon)

  • Patterning, graphing, addition, subtraction, geometry, time, money, measurement, simple fractions.
  • Engagement in higher-level thinking skills – reasoning, estimation, explaining thought process aloud to peers, identifying problems and examining solutions.
  • Engineering projects that require students to follow three and four step directions while completing tasks as a group.
  • Building rockets with engineers from Raytheon and launching them upon completion.

Science (FOSS / Science Lab)

  • Hands-on investigations and exploration about topics such as weather, plants, fabric, animals, habitats, the human body, space, rocks, and minerals.
  • Science Lab once a week where students have the opportunity to use measuring tools such as beakers, droppers, magnifying glasses, and microscopes.

Social Studies (Second Step / National Geographic / Scholastic News)

  • Recognize feelings in self and others.
  • Learn how to respond appropriately to emotions and manage feelings (breathing, self-talk).
  • Identify cultures, countries, traditions, and customs.
  • Identify community helpers and how to be a good citizen.

Weekly Specials

  • Physical Education – 30 minutes twice a week.
  • Music – 30 minutes twice a week.
  • Art – 60 minutes once a week.
  • Science Lab – 60 minutes once a week.
  • Spanish – 30 minutes once a week.
  • Computers – 30 minutes once a week.
  • Chapel – 20 minutes twice a week.

Homework

  • Monday – Thursday 10-15 minutes each night.

Field Trips

  • Fire Station
  • Tucson Medical Center Teddy Bear Clinic
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Bookmans
  • Playformance
  • Tucson Symphony Orchestra
  • University of Arizona