Kindergarten
Kindergarten – Overview of Program
The Kindergarten experience (5 to 6 years of age) is based on a holistic approach. Research proves that children have different learning styles; therefore, many teaching methods are incorporated in our curriculum in order to provide our students with the best possible learning environment.
An emphasis on individualization and differentiation, a vast number of concrete materials and independent learning are some of the characteristics assimilated from the Montessori Method.
Since our program allows daily group interaction through the many Early Childhood Centers, the students communicate and learn from one another as the socialize. These are principles from Lev Vigotsky.
Our Learning Centers provide students with the change to observe and manipulate objects and situations within the environment to build knowledge. Our field trips and theme-related celebrations also motivate our students to work, in accordance with Jean Piaget.
We strongly believe that learning is an active process. Students learn while they listen, speack, read, write and play simultaneously.
Daily Routine – Kindergarten
A typical day in Kindergarten occurs in a spacious, happy, and well-equipped environment, which includes an extensive variety of materials supporting teaching and cooperative learning. The cultural diversity within our school population is another positive aspect that contributes to the mission and philosophy of our program.
All students begin their day actively involved in all the diverse Early Childhood Centers, which are areas of the classroom where a variety of hands-on materials and meaningful activities area available for children to choose from. A combination of activities provides opportunities for children to participate individually, in pairs or in small groups. In a center classroom, children will work at their individual developmental level assisted by the teacher and their classmates.
During a pre-established time in the weekly schedule, all Kindergarten classes attend Physical Education, Music, Instrumental Music, Art, Library, Religion, Computer and E.L.L. classes.
A healthy snack is usually served around 10:00 a.m., and usually consists of fruit and juice, followed by outdoor activities (recess) in the E.C.E.C. playground or field. At this time, all classroom assistants are the main supervisors.
Through literature, the students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing simultaneously through a Whole Language method. The unit themes are also interdisciplinary, as they are integrated throughout all subject areas – Languages, Math, Science, Social Studies, Religion, Computer, Cooking, Art, etc…
The formal Reading/Language/Phonics/Math programs adopted at Chapel for the Kindergarten students are from Houghton Mifflin publishing company and are integrated in the daily curriculum.
Lunch in Kindergarten is usually served from 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., depending on the class. A menu with the description of the daily lunch is sent home at the beginning of each month. After lunch, all Kindergarten students enjoy a calm and relaxing rest time for 45 minutes.
The afternoon activities for all three Kindergarten classes depend on the weekly schedule – either a special class or work in the centers/formal programs. Students usually have an extra 30 minutes of recess at 2:30 p.m. and end their day listening quietly to a story told by the classroom teacher.
E.L.L. – English Language Learners/Rhymes and Chants
The E.L.L. classes are planned to provide an opportunity for learners to acquire English naturally, through literature, music, rhythm, storytelling and games. All work is centered on the oral language acquisition, allowing students in Pre II and Kindergarten to speak in a calm, secure atmosphere where they can be encouraged to participate, acquiring and developing a richer vocabulary in English. The Preschool II students are also exposed to second-language support through Rhymes and Chants classes for small groups.