Kindergarten
The Kindergarten year is one of investigation, experimentation, and discovery. It is a year to become increasingly independent and to learn when and how to ask others for help; a year to develop responsibility toward self and others; a year to gain a powerful confidence in oneself and to experiment with and develop social skills crucial to success. Finally, it is a year to formulate a clear concept of what school is about and to develop a positive attitude toward learning.
The basic education experience of kindergarten is provided through a blend of group instruction and learning centers. The children participate in a variety of activities, including reading, writing, math, science, computer, and art that are appropriate to their individual interests and developmental levels. The program promotes self-motivation and initiative, and accommodates diversity in learning styles, levels of maturity, and educational needs.
On-going assessment guides the teachers in directing each child's progress to ensure not only challenge but also success, a crucial factor in building self-confidence and love of learning.
Thematic studies provide a framework for the meaningful integration of many subjects. Basic concepts of math are taught by doing - counting, describing, comparing and ordering, measuring, balancing and fitting together, recording and proving. A carefully planned, literature-based program encourages the girls to increase their appreciation for books and reading, develop proper speech habits, enlarge vocabulary, think creatively, associate ideas, organize ideas in sequence, develop their powers of visual perception and auditory discrimination and begin the reading and writing process. The writing and reading of material appropriate to each child's developmental level is integral to the program. Throughout the year, field trips and special guests enrich the curriculum.
