Kindergarten

Units of Inquiry
The Kindergarten Get Along Gang
Welcome to my World!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Just Imagine!
Work and Play
Cycle of Life

Language Arts
Language arts in kindergarten is a literacy-rich program supported by a strong phonetic base with emphasis on the individual child's reading continuum. Word study, spelling, and phonological awareness, which include visual discrimination, rhyming, and a wealth of other language arts experiences, are important components of our reading program. The development of oral communication skills, handwriting skills, simple spelling, and beginning creative writing skills is also a significant part of the program. Many multi-sensory techniques such as games, rhythmic exercises, art activities, poetry, and literature selections are used to develop and reinforce skills.

Mathematics
The kindergarten mathematics program emphasizes a process of exploration and discovery with extensive use of manipulative materials. The children learn to recognize and make patterns as a means of comparing, forming numerals, and understanding numbers and their relationship. This process leads to introductory experiences with addition, subtraction, time, money, and measurement, along with opportunities for graphing, estimating, sorting, and problem solving.

Science
The kindergarten science program, written and developed at Charlotte Country Day, is closely integrated with the language arts program and includes many lessons conducted in the science lab. Children gain basic understandings through the art of inquiry. Both in the lab and in the classroom, the children discover and practice some of the same skills that scientists use.

Computer
The computer curriculum for kindergartners begins with a visit by the computer teacher to the classroom where children participate in discussions about "familiar computers" and how computers impact their lives. Children go to the Lower School instructional computer lab on the scheduled cycle day to begin their hands-on experience. Software has been chosen to enhance the language arts and math programs and mouse skills practiced in computer class help refine hand-eye coordination. Computers are also located in each classroom for students to use with software selected by classroom teachers.

Social Studies
At the kindergarten level, the main emphasis of the social studies curriculum is on helping children understand themselves and others, and their world around them. These concepts are taught to encourage children to think of themselves as individuals and as part of different groups, and to express their feelings, abilities, and problems and how these relate to the people around them.

French and Spanish
The main objective in Lower School French and Spanish classes is oral comprehension and expression. Spoken French and Spanish are used in the classroom as much as possible. The oral method of instruction is used through varied activities that are interesting and informative to children of this age.

Music
The focus of the kindergarten program is on sensory awareness of musical experiences. Allowing them to become as involved as possible with their musical environment stimulates the children's senses of sight, hearing, and kinesthetic movement. Students use the voice, body sounds, movement, and simple melodic and percussion instruments as tools to express their ideas and feelings.

Art
Students continue to investigate the basic elements of art such as line, shape, color, and texture. They explore principles of design such as balance, rhythm, pattern unity, and emphasis. Artists investigate historical works of art, as well as their own art, to enhance their awareness of art as a universal form of communication. Painting, drawing, collage, and clay projects continue to provide students with opportunities to express their ideas and emotions.

Physical Education
The physical education program is a key component of the total curriculum. Children in kindergarten attend PE four times during a seven-day cycle. The majority of activities are individual in nature, centering on movement exploration and rhythmic patterns. The program teaches children to manage their bodies well through active games, manipulative exercises, and tumbling. Simple stunts and games are also stressed.

Library
Students visit the library for scheduled library lessons once per cycle. Additional instruction and research time may be scheduled periodically, as needed. The library curriculum enhances and extends the classroom curriculum, fosters literary appreciation and targets information and research skills. Students enjoy a variety of genres in story time, develop active listening and viewing skills, reinforce concepts through experiential activities, learn to confidently use a library, and purposefully explore a wide array of media, both traditional and technological.