In Reading our skills and objectives are that children will understand and apply
   ~ concepts of print (parts of a book, directionality of text, return sweep, difference between a letter, word, and sentence, print is our words written down and conveys meaning, etc.)
   ~ phonemic awareness (rhyming, segmenting, blending sounds)
   ~ beginning phonics (letter recognition, sounds of letters, word sounding out, beginning word recognition, etc.)
   ~ comprehension (vocabulary, prediction, retelling, questioning, story sequence, etc.)
   ~ story elements (character, setting, main idea)
   ~ connecting to text (prior knowledge, appreciation for text, etc.)
   ~ types of text (fiction, nonfiction, genres, environmental print, etc.)

In Writing our skills and objectives are that children will understand and apply
   ~ handwriting (write name, upper and lowercase letters, simple words, numbers 0-10 and beyond, basic shapes with directionality)
   ~ dictates stories, accounts, descriptions
   ~ conveys meaning through writing stages (drawings only, scribbles, beginning and ending letters, temporary spelling to some conventional spelling) in journals, writing folders, simple books
   ~ shares writing with others

In Communication our skills and objectives are that children will understand and apply
   ~ listening and observation skills (focuses attention, follows directions, listens for specific things, etc.)
   ~ communicates clearly (uses complete sentences with correct grammar, voice level, looks at audience, participates in discussions, etc.)

I am working on a page that will give you a glimpse of how I plan and structure the teaching of these Language Objectives in my classroom.  I've tried to outline many of the routines and frameworks I rely on to set up my lessons.  My goal is to keep you as parents informed throughout the year with the details and ways you can help at home.  Please click HERE to go to the Language Planning & Idea page.
  

top

I am also working on a page that will give you a glimpse of how I plan and structure the teaching of these Math Objectives in my classroom.  I've tried to outline many of the routines and frameworks I rely on to set up my lessons.  My goal is to keep you as parents informed throughout the year with the details and ways you can help at home.  Please click HERE to go to the Math Planning & Idea page.

NOTE:  The skills and objectives for the remainder of our Subjects listed below are interwoven into the core Language and Math teachings.  I use a lot of trade books - both fiction and factual books - to add to our knowledge and enjoyment of the topics we learn about.  Films, discussions, questions, activities and projects are also used to explore and discover the things we learn about in Kindergarten.
 

top

   ~ self (uniqueness, similarities and differences, positive self-image, member of family and school)
   ~ family (unique in structure, own relationship in, family responsibilities, need of rules)
   ~ class member (characteristics of a valuable member - cooperation, sharing, following rules, friendship)
   ~ because we live in a rural setting, the FARM is also an important topic (types of farms, products and jobs, animals, produce)
 

top

   ~ personal safety (definition of private zones, different kinds of touches, good vs. bad secrets, right to say no to inappropriate touches, tell a trusted adult right away)
   ~ school safety (needs for rules, follows rules in classroom, on playground and other school areas, on the bus or way home, home and outdoor safety away from school)
   ~ staying healthy (cleanliness, healthy habits [nutrition, exercise, sleep])
   ~ caring for self and others (self-esteem [uniqueness, feelings and behavior, liking yourself], friends [importance of, friendship skills, importance of communication, cooperation]) 

   ~ demonstrates honesty and respect for others, shows responsibility for self
   ~ respecting others' feelings and well being (taking turns, listening, using good manners, recognizing individual differences and likes [acceptance and tolerance], working cooperatively, showing empathy [caring for others])
   ~ resolves conflicts in a positive way (can state the problem, shows willingness to compromise, makes appropriate choices to solve problems, fairness, forgiveness)
   ~ cares and supports others (shows concerns for others' feelings, show empathy, appreciates differences, friendly, uses positive language)
   ~ work habits (puts forth best effort on all work, follows classroom rules, mindful of others' right to learn [is not distracting], does what the teacher asks cooperatively, shows self control of own behavior, asks for help appropriately, participates in group discussions and activities, responsible for own belongings, cleans up after self, etc.)

Self-Help Skills are also important ~ we will strive to get these learned!

   ~ knows how to dress self (tie/buckle/fasten shoes, zips/buttons coat, snap or button pants after bathroom use)
   ~ shows respect for school and others' property
   ~ takes care of personal belongings with out adult help
   ~ is responsible for giving teacher notes and items from home from their backpack when they arrive at the classroom without being questioned
   ~ is independent with bathroom use
   ~ understands need to wash hands after use of bathroom and before eating

A big part of my job I feel, is to prepare my students for life in the classroom as a contributing member.  This view plays a big part on how I structure our learning this year.  Doing your best, showing good citizenship skills, and understanding that we come to school to learn valuable things we need to know is an underlying objective in all we do.  The motivation is usually high in Kindergarten - that isn't usually a concern.  Knowing that coming to school and doing well is their job is stressed often. 
 

top