Kindergarten Curriculum

Language Arts

Building on the Pre-Kindergarten program, the Kindergarten level adds phonemic analysis, phonemic awareness, handwriting, recognition of some basic sight words, phonemic awareness song and story activities, phonics readers, comprehension, critical listening and building organizational skills which lead towards functioning independently in the classroom. A strong emphasis in phonics provides a supportive pre-reading foundation. A beginner reader series is introduced at this level to challenge and expand the student’s print awareness, decoding skills, and reading comprehension.

A literature based approach to learning is used to weave these skills into the curriculum throughout the day. The children are encouraged to draw from their imaginations and life experiences to author their own stories with guidance from the teacher using the inventive spelling technique. This provides a unique opportunity to meet each child at his/her level of understanding and accomplishment. The use of books, magazines, listening centers, computer games and activities, poetry, and Big Books enhance this language-rich approach.

Mathematics

Concepts and skills which have been presented in Pre-Kindergarten levels are expanded and developed to include critical and abstract thinking. The children are encouraged to seek alternative solutions in their problem solving. Measurement, patterning, graphing, calendar skills, coin identification, coin value, even and odd numbers, sorting by attributes, counting to 50, counting objects to 25, counting by 10’s, telling time on the hour and half-hour, combining sets, identifying numerals 0-20, writing numerals 0-9, and understanding cardinal and ordinal numbers are some of the extended concepts in Kindergarten. Many of the math manipulatives used in class are items from “their” world ensuring their math experiences are more personal and meaningful.

The World We Live In/A Multi-Cultural World

Children explore the world around them through learning experiences such as study trips, guest speakers, nature walks, and audio-visual materials. In a Christian atmosphere, children are taught to respect the rights and property of others and to display good citizenship.

Units of study at the Kindergarten level are inspired by the children’s interests and are incorporated in all aspects of their learning experience. These thematic units change weekly and are integrated into eight basic “Workshops” or centers. These “Workshops” include painting, computer, writing, math, a fine motor activity, a thematic project, letters and sounds, and science and social studies.

Enrichment Areas for Kindergarten Include:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Spanish
  • Physical Education
  • Computer
  • Library
  • Bible
  • Chapel

Learn more about Riverside's First Grade Program »»