K INDERGARTEN O RIENTATION Overview of the Kindergarten Program: Our curriculum is based on the Ohio Department of Education Content Standards for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. A booklet from the state will be sent home with each student or visit for detailed information regarding the standards.

L ANGUAGE A RTS (R EADING AND W RITING R EADINESS ) Reading Program: Collections by Harcourt Brace is a literature-based program that uses children’s stories, poems and songs to teach reading processes (vocabulary, comprehension, fluency) Phonics Program : “Fundations”, uses specific instruction to teach reading and spelling with phonics. We use it in correlation with the literature program. Please see the “Orientation” letter that is included in this packet. *** It is important to read each Unit letter that is sent home AND work on the “Home Activities” that reinforce these necessary skills Writing Journals : Each student will use drawings and “inventive” (or developmental) spelling to express themselves through writing. Initially, we will focus on “writing the sounds that you hear” (example: pns l for pencil ), holding pencils correctly, and writing from top to bottom/left to right. Home Support : a. Read with your child for 20 minutes every day; sign the Daily Reading Log b. Have your child read (and re-read) the “Get Ready” books as they are sent home (beginning in October, details will follow) c. Practice inventive spelling – create grocery lists, label pictures, etc)

M ATH Math Program: “ Everyday Mathematics” uses a spiral approach to teach the various math skills. There are not typical units but rather each skill is introduced and then re-taught and “spiraled” back to throughout the year. Topics include counting, patterns, shapes, position words, comparison and classification, simple addition/subtraction, time, money, measurement and grouping sets. These skills are also reinforced daily during the morning calendar time. Home Support: a. Complete the math “Homelinks” with your child and return to school b. Work on activities in the Everyday Mathematics “Mathematics at Home” book. It will be sent home in November after conferences.

Science - Hands-on activities combined with thematic big books - Units: Daily Observations of Earth and Space Sciences (ex: day/night) Care and Observation of Plants/Animals (ex: living/non-living) Matter/Physical Properties (ex. five senses) The Way Things Move ( ex: transportation, motion) Nature of Science (question, explore, simple investigation) Social Studies - Integrated with the Language Arts program - Units: History (knowing about changes- ex. Seasons) People in Societies (community, home, city/country) Geography (using simple maps and globes) Economics (wants vs. needs) Government (authority figures) Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities (rules) Social Studies skills and methods (how we learn about these topics

S OCIAL /E MOTIONAL G ROWTH We will guide students to consistently exhibit the following positive behaviors: Taking turns and sharing Respect for others and property Self-control in actions and words Follow classroom rules Listening without interrupting Independence and responsibility

O THER IMPORTANT INFORMATION : Specials: Music and Physical Education : Students will have a 40 minute session of Music or PE daily. The schedule will alternate days of the week (ex: 2 days/week of P.E.; 2 days of Music; then alternates on Fridays). A final schedule will be sent home the first week of school. Students need tennis shoes for PE. Art Students will receive one quarter of Art with the Building Art Teacher (they will not have PE during the quarter that they have Art). Additional experiences to explore and create using artistic expression will occur in the classroom. Computer Education and Learning Resource Center(LRC) -Each classroom has a computer center (3-4 computers) and a SmartBoard for whole group instruction. -We also use the computer lab as a class. -Students will take a weekly trip to the LRC (Learning Resource Center) to check out one library book which is due back the following week.

C TD INFORMATION : Homework: Homework assignments will consist mostly of the Math (Homelinks), Phonics (Home Activities) and Language Arts (Get Ready Books); *Specific instructions for each activity will follow * Additional appropriate homework assignments will be sent home as the year progresses Please encourage your child to complete assignments and return them in timely manner – these are reflected in the homework section of your child’s progress report that is sent home at the end of each quarter. Student Folders: Each child should bring their folder to and from school daily. Please check it every day for notes, newsletters, homework and other important school papers.

T HANK YOU FOR COMING … Questions?