THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM -
* Language Arts - "Treasures" (publisher - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill) This
program is research-based and provides systematic instruction in the areas
of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension.
* Phonics - "Zoo-phonics" (Zoo-phonics, Inc.) A kinesthetic (body movement)
based method for teaching phonics, reading, and spelling.
* Math - "Bridges" (The Math Learning Center) An activity-based program that
develops children's mathematical thinking and reasoning abilities. Many
science concepts are also included.
* Science - "Full Option Science System - FOSS" (Delta Education) The FOSS
kits were created to engage students in scientific processes as they explore
the natural world. In kindergarten, we use two kits - "Trees" and "Fabric."
* Social Studies - "Exploring Where & Why?" (Nystrom) A hands-on program
that includes a jumbo atlas, floor maps, and a globe.
* Computer - "Waterford Early Reading Program" (Pearson) Waterford is a
research-based curriculum that addresses the five essential reading skills
identified in the National Reading Panel Report: Phonemic Awareness,
Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension.
* Fluency Assessment - "Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills -
DIBELS" (University of Oregon) This assessment occurs three times throughout
the year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Kindergarten students' skills are measured
in the areas of Initial Sound Fluency, Letter Naming Fluency, Phoneme
Segmentation Fluency, and Nonsense Word Fluency.
