The kindergarteners’ gentle exploration of the world through story, art, imagination and nature-based experiences builds a foundation for all that is to come in the grades. The kindergarten student is still deeply connected to the natural world. A variety of natural sciences are studied including seeds and sprouts, ice formation, weather patterns, clouds and rainbows. Magnet play opens the door to future studies in the physical sciences. In turn, the numbers and letters are explored. Their qualities, sounds, shapes, and patterns are all part of an artistic whole. Numbers are compared, sorted and grouped. Geometric shapes and pattern recognition are also part of the math curriculum. Arts, crafts, movement and music support the academic curriculum and help deepen the child’s understanding of the presented material. These artistic disciplines foster imagination, bilateral awareness, rhythm, dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Work plays an important role in supporting the adventure into learning. Creating a chore list, allowing your child to help cook, clean up after themselves and carry groceries promotes a strong, positive relationship to work. The cultivation of healthy work habits at this stage in a child’s development supports executive function skills in adolescence.
Sample Kindergarten Day
Monday and Friday Rhythms
8:45 a.m. Greet the children and activity of the day outside
9:15 a.m. Circle outside
9:45 a.m. Outside free play
10:30 a.m. Snack
11:00 a.m. Outside hike/Indoor play
12:00 p.m. Dismissal~ (Monday aftercare available)
Tuesday-Thursday Rhythms
8:45 a.m. Greet the children and activity of the day outside
9:15 a.m. Circle outside
9:45 a.m. Outside free play
10:30 a.m. Snack
11:00 a.m. Outside hike/Indoor play
12:00 p.m. Story
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Dismissal or transition to rest time/aftercare
Weekly Activities and Snacks
Monday –
Snack: rice w/ sunflower seeds and tamari
Activity: drawing
Tuesday –
Snack: vegetable soup w/ black beans
Activity: chop shop (preparing our soup)
Wednesday –
Snack: bread rolls w/ honey and butter
Activity: bread baking
Thursday –
Snack: oatmeal
Activity: painting – will be introduced as the year goes on
Friday –
Snack: millett
Activity: beeswax