WHY CHOOSE ST. MARY'S KINDERGARTEN?
Kindergarten offers time and space for young children to be children where they are free to play, explore, and imagine. It is designed to lead them from wonder to discovery and from investigation to affirmation. It provides the opportunity for all children to associate pleasure with learning so that each one feels good about herself or himself. In Kindergarten, the teacher collaborates with parents in sharing religious beliefs and values with children. His/her adult encouragement and example are among the most important factors which influence faith development. As collaborator, the teacher fosters a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The teacher is flexible and supportive in meeting the needs of each new group. The teacher offers each child space to experience the joy of learning at his or her own capacity and pace.
REQUIREMENTS
1. St. Mary's School admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available at school.
2. Parents must accept and uphold the philosophy and mission statement of our Catholic school as part of their child's education.
3. Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age by December 1 of the entering year. An original birth certificate and immunization record must be presented at the time of registration. A record of a physical exam must be filed with the school nurse prior to the first day of school.
GOALS OF A KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
1. To provide experiences that meet children’s needs in their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development.
2. To develop a high self-esteem in each individual through a positive feeling toward learning.
3. To develop social skills through play and through interaction with adults as well as peers.
4. To provide cognitive development activities through concrete and “hands-on” materials.
5. To provide an environment based on trust, inclusion, and affirmation.
WHAT IS KINDERGARTEN ALL ABOUT?
Your child’s first year in school is a new experience for parent and child alike. There are many things that a child will learn to do that will be the cornerstone of his/her education.
What is kindergarten all about? Kindergarten is learning to:
1. Work and play together.
2. Respect the rights of others.
3. Be a good listener.
4. Express oneself.
5. Follow directions.
6. Develop good work habits.
7. Complete assigned tasks
8. Keep work areas clean.
9. Work as part of a group.
10. Use a variety of materials.
11. Share.
12. Develop an interest in books
13. Improve fine and gross motor skills.
14. Increase attention span.
15. Develop new interests.
16. Use new vocabulary words.
17. Make school an enjoyable experience.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOUR KINDERGARTNER?
There are many developmental and cognitive (thinking) skills that a child is expected to perform while in kindergarten. These skills help a child develop into a successful student. Some of the activities are:
• Getting into line when asked to do so.
• Taking care of personal belongings.
• Going to his/her seat quietly.
• Raising hand and waiting to be called on when wanting to speak.
• Following simple directions.
• Writing own name.
• Speaking in front of other students.
• Walking in hallways, up and down the stairs.
• Taking papers/folders home to parents.
• Listening to the teacher and to other students when they are speaking.
• Bringing notes to and from school.
• Knowing right from left.
• Being able to copy words from the board.
• Being able to answer questions when called upon.
Encourage your child to perform these simple activities at school. Once these skills become second nature to your child, he/she will encounter greater success in school situations.
English Language Arts/Literacy/Writing
Learning new language skills is a hallmark of kindergarten. Your child will learn about the alphabet and its role in reading. Your child will practice rhyming, matching words with beginning and ending sounds, and blending sounds into words. Your child will begin to experiment with writing and will be encouraged to use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing letters to share information, ideas, and feelings.
A sample of what your child will be working on in Kindergarten: