The Kindergarten Experience at WCCS

Bible: Overview of the Bible beginning with creation going through Paul’s missionary journeys, Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human
body are designed to engage student in age and grade appropriate investigation skills. Creation, 5 Senses, Life Cycles, Animals, Seasons, Birds, Food Groups, Solar System, Magnets, and the Ocean.

Social Studies: Integrated units of study support classroom literature through hands-on activities and field trips. Emphasis on countries in the world, holidays, and patriotism. Topics include Presidents, Pilgrims/Native Americans, National Monuments, Christmas Around the World, etc.

Spanish: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. They are introduced to basic Spanish vocabulary through games, songs, and interactive activities. Students learn to recognize and speak words including the days of the week, community jobs, family terms, basic greetings, animals,
etc.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview using a variety of mediums. Thematic units coincide with classroom study.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Space (where the body moves), effort (how the body moves), relationship of body parts with objects and people, dance and creative movement, specific sports skills, etc.

Music: Steady beat, un-pitched rhythm instruments, motor movements, listening skills, orchestra instruments, basic music vocabulary, melody bells and performances, etc