Welcome to Kindergarten

Recognizing that children develop at different rates through predictable stages, the kindergarten program at Taylor strives to meet the unique needs of each child. Our program is designed to help each child discover and develop his/her full potential intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally.

Three major areas of social development are addressed within our program:

• the development of self-confidence and a positive self-concept
• the ability to work cooperatively within a group
• the opportunity to make decisions, develop acceptable social behaviors, and share leadership responsibilities

The major academic goals of Kindergarten include:

• the development of good work habits, especially listening and following directions
• the ability to think creatively and exercise reason
• the opportunity to experience success and develop a love of learning

OPENING

At the beginning of the day, opening time is an opportunity for the teacher to take attendance, review the calendar, practice counting, chart the weather, discuss the day’s schedule and introduce new concepts, skills, topics and materials to the class.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language arts time provides the children with experiences to help them develop beginning reading and writing skills, appreciate literature and build oral communication skills. A variety of materials and approaches are used in our language arts instruction which are enhanced by materials from the Scott Foresman Reading Series, Rigby books, and the Houghton Mifflin writing programs.

MATH

Manipulatives, games, and computers enrich the activities provided through Arlington county’s adopted mathematics series. Our math program helps the children to develop their number skills and to understand real-life applications of these skills.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

The primary goal of our science and social studies instruction is to help the children develop observation skills, classification skills, and the ability to apply these to understand and appreciate their world. We have new science materials this year from Harcourt.

FINE ARTS

Music and art are incorporated into our program daily. In addition to our daily classroom activities, students receive music and art instruction once a week.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In addition to regular outdoor play times, our students have physical education twice a week. The major focus of these classes is the development of fine and gross motor skills.

COMPUTERS

Our students have regular access to computers within their classrooms. Students expand their computer skills through a variety of software programs. We will be going to the computer lab periodically throughout the year.

KINDERGARTEN IS AN EXCITING YEAR OF COOPERATION, LEARNING, AND CELEBRATION!