Kindergarten Curriculum
Here at Anchor Lutheran School, we use a phonics based reading program, a hands on math program, and a theme based approach encompassing all areas of the curriculum, i.e. Religion, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Art and Music. Approximately each week we introduce a new theme. Within each theme, we cover a variety of core subjects. The following is a basic outline of the main goals and objectives for each area of the Kindergarten curriculum.
RELIGION
We are using the Voyages religion curriculum. It introduces the most basic concepts of the Christian faith and applies these doctrines to the day to day lives of young children.
Our goals are to: grow in faith through learning of Bible stories; promote Christian living and values; worship, praise and thank God daily in the classroom and in weekly chapel; encourage daily prayer to express needs, feelings and thankfulness.
LANGUAGE (integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing)
We use a phonics program called Jolly Phonics. But so much of what we do each day gets us ready for reading and we help children to learn about the functions and pleasures of language and books.
We strive to develop verbal competence and knowledge of beginning reading skills, to learn to appreciate stories, poems and other forms of literature, and to develop a strong sense of the importance of writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Daily living routines and interactions are important parts of our social studies curriculum.
We try: to help the child grow in appreciation of him/her self as a child of God; to identify the roles of family members and their functions; to recognize similarities and differences in God’s people throughout the world; to identify and express a variety of emotions; and to become aware of important historical people and events.
ART and MUSIC in the classroom
Self expression is encouraged through both art and music.
We attempt to provide a variety of media to experience both art and music and to share a sense of joy and pleasure through participation.
Additionally, Kindergartners perform in two all-school music programs during the year.
MATHEMATICS
Our math program is a hands-on approach that draws on real life experiences and allows the children to become actively involved in the processes of math.
We learn about: patterning; sorting and classifying; identifying and writing numbers; measurement; problem solving; shapes; graphing; time and money; addition and subtraction; math language (larger, smaller, etc.).
SCIENCE
Our approach is hands on, which might not be very “scientific”, but it does lead to a curiosity about God’s world and how things work.
We are introduced to and learn about: seeds and plants; animals; insects; light and sound; seeds and plants; ocean life; weather and seasons; magnets and simple machines; caring for the environment through recycling and conservation.
HEALTH
Our health curriculum reminds us that we are “wonderfully made”.
We learn about: nutrition; growth and development; physical fitness; disease and drug awareness; safety.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Kindergartners will: improve skills such as skipping; jumping rope and eye-hand/foot coordination; be introduced to organized games such as volleyball, soccer and badminton; participate in a variety of physical activities including the President's Physical Fitness Challenge.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
The Kindergarten class goes on field trips that are theme related, and we attend performances by the Alaska Junior Theater. Our annual event is an educational overnight field trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center in conjunction with our Fourth grade. It is a wonderful learning opportunity that both classes truly enjoy!
Kindergarten Curriculum
Here at Anchor Lutheran School, we use a phonics based reading program, a hands on math program, and a theme based approach encompassing all areas of the curriculum, i.e. Religion, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Art and Music. Approximately each week we introduce a new theme. Within each theme, we cover a variety of core subjects. The following is a basic outline of the main goals and objectives for each area of the Kindergarten curriculum.
RELIGION
We are using the Voyages religion curriculum. It introduces the most basic concepts of the Christian faith and applies these doctrines to the day to day lives of young children.
Our goals are to: grow in faith through learning of Bible stories; promote Christian living and values; worship, praise and thank God daily in the classroom and in weekly chapel; encourage daily prayer to express needs, feelings and thankfulness.
LANGUAGE (integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing)
We use a phonics program called Jolly Phonics. But so much of what we do each day gets us ready for reading and we help children to learn about the functions and pleasures of language and books.
We strive to develop verbal competence and knowledge of beginning reading skills, to learn to appreciate stories, poems and other forms of literature, and to develop a strong sense of the importance of writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Daily living routines and interactions are important parts of our social studies curriculum.
We try: to help the child grow in appreciation of him/her self as a child of God; to identify the roles of family members and their functions; to recognize similarities and differences in God’s people throughout the world; to identify and express a variety of emotions; and to become aware of important historical people and events.
ART and MUSIC in the classroom
Self expression is encouraged through both art and music.
We attempt to provide a variety of media to experience both art and music and to share a sense of joy and pleasure through participation.
Additionally, Kindergartners perform in two all-school music programs during the year.
MATHEMATICS
Our math program is a hands-on approach that draws on real life experiences and allows the children to become actively involved in the processes of math.
We learn about: patterning; sorting and classifying; identifying and writing numbers; measurement; problem solving; shapes; graphing; time and money; addition and subtraction; math language (larger, smaller, etc.).
SCIENCE
Our approach is hands on, which might not be very “scientific”, but it does lead to a curiosity about God’s world and how things work.
We are introduced to and learn about: seeds and plants; animals; insects; light and sound; seeds and plants; ocean life; weather and seasons; magnets and simple machines; caring for the environment through recycling and conservation.
HEALTH
Our health curriculum reminds us that we are “wonderfully made”.
We learn about: nutrition; growth and development; physical fitness; disease and drug awareness; safety.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Kindergartners will: improve skills such as skipping; jumping rope and eye-hand/foot coordination; be introduced to organized games such as volleyball, soccer and badminton; participate in a variety of physical activities including the President's Physical Fitness Challenge.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
The Kindergarten class goes on field trips that are theme related, and we attend performances by the Alaska Junior Theater. Our annual event is an educational overnight field trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center in conjunction with our Fourth grade. It is a wonderful learning opportunity that both classes truly enjoy!