Reading
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) Pearson Education Publishers; Zoophonics; Spectrum Phonics.
Students in our Junior Kindergarten program are offered instruction in reading readiness. Phonemic awareness is stressed, along with alphabet knowledge, oral vocabulary and story comprehension. Literacy circles are used to give our young learners time to play with words, sounds and letters.
Language Arts
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) Pearson Education Publishers; Zaner-Bloser Handwriting.
Everyday OWL begins with a meet and greet time. Students are provided an opportunity to share ideas, develop ideas and explore how written language works. Students are introduced to a rich vocabulary through: concept words, amazing words and academic vocabulary. Singing and movement are incorporated into the curriculum to make learning an enjoyable experience.
Mathematics
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) Pearson Education Publishers; Common Core Progress Math; Sadlier School
Our students are immersed in to the world of Math. It is everywhere in their environment. They will count, analyze data, measure, complete patterns and learn about geometry. The focus on math is purposeful and meaningful to their world. Math circles and center activities assist our students in developing the math concepts and vocabulary they will need throughout their entire school years.
Social Studies
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) Pearson Education Publishers; My Big World Magazine; Scholastic Inc.
The Junior Kindergarten student begins to become more aware of their surroundings. They begin to comprehend their place in the world and study how this effects their development. Unit themes include: geography, communities, citizenship, and simple economics. Fostering these skills will help our students become contributing members of society.
Science/Health
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) Pearson Education Publishers; My Big World Magazine; Scholastic Inc.
Science begins with the teacher demonstrating a simple science concept. The activities are then designed around these concepts to help our students observe, identify, categorize and describe as they learn. Students experience life science, earth and space, physical science and health and safety.
STEAM/Enrichment Curriculum
STEAM principles promote critical thinking, asking questions, observation and exploration through hands-on, real-world problem-solving activities.
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- Science – Focus on hands-on activities to promote collaboration and cooperation, incorporating science, technology, and engineering utilizing lab experiments, planting, gardening, and learning about the world around them.
- Technology – Focus on project based experiences incorporating technology with engineering and science and utilizing typing programs. Classroom iPads and AppleTV/projectors used to enhance curriculum and reinforce skills.
- Engineering – Practical, hands-on design and construction with a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, Legos, Magna Tiles, Blocks, K’Nex, Connectors, and Lincoln Logs.
- Arts – The visual arts curriculum challenges and encourages students to actively participate in the arts. Students do an Artist of the Month study and develop an appreciation for artistic representation that they create, in addition to the pieces their classmates create. Specific instruction occurs in color, texture, design, and spatial relations. Our music curriculum develops a general knowledge of music vocabulary, movement, beat, interpretation, and rhythm which allows students to develop sensitivity to musical experiences. This is accompanied by a Composer of the Month study where students are introduced to various types of music.
- Mathematics – Focus on hands-on activities to promote collaboration and cooperation, using manipulatives, sorters, counters, and various other classroom materials to supplement the adopted grade level curriculum. Students have access to an individualized computer math program that assists them with strengthening core skills at their independence level.
Physical Education Curriculum
All Junior Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students at Primary Plus Elementary School are learning to move and moving to learn. This document outlines the skills and concepts presented throughout the year during our Physical Education classes.
The development of skills in Junior Kindergarten is reflected in the year’s collection of: Progress Reports, Weekly Folders and Report Cards, provided to parents throughout the Junior Kindergarten year.
