How much emphasis is put on academics?

      We have a strong academic program, but our emphasis is on creating readers, writers and problem solvers rather than rote learners.  We are designing our curriculum to reflect the latest research on how children learn.  Basic elements of our program are:  active learning, problem solving, interaction, conversation, reading, play acting, exploring, and manipulating objects.  We are confident about the foundation we give children for first grade curriculum.

    Our Reading program for Kindergarten is "Welcome to Kindergarten" published by Houghton Mifflin.  This reading series has two terrific websites for parents and children with activities that relate to lessons taught in class.  These websites are:  www.eduplace.com and www.bookadventure.org  

Homework

     Homework assignments are sent home on the 1st day of each school week in a large homework folder.  They should be returned to school on FRIDAY  in the homework folder. 

     The purpose of Kindergarten homework is to reinforce what is taught in the classroom.  There will be 3-5 activities for the week.  Since all households are different, you may plan your child’s assignments accordingly.  It is best to do one activity each evening but sometimes it may be necessary to skip a night and do two on one night.  We are flexible, so please let us know if you need extra time for an assignment.  Remember:  Avoid doing for a child what he/she can do for him/herself!

     In addition  to the formal homework assignments, we ask that you read to your child for at least 10 minutes every night. 

     Homework envelopes should come back to school on Friday even if your child was not able to finish the assignments.  If you know your child will be absent,  please return envelope on child’s last day of school before absence.

 Baskets

     Once a week your child will bring home a basket containing a stuffed animal, several books and a journal.  Please spend some quiet time sharing the critter and books with your child.  This basket is  a reward  for your child as well as part of the week’s homework assignment.  Brothers, sisters, friends, etc. should NOT use the baskets.  Your child should take good care of the basket and return the basket and all of its contents the following day.

     After you and your child have read the books and enjoyed the animal, please help your child to make an entry in the journal.  He/she may draw a picture of the animal, a favorite part of the story, or dictate something about the basket experience, etc.  Please date the entry and have your child print his/her own name. Baskets are not sent home on Fridays or holiday weeks. 

     If your child receives a yellow card in the pocket chart when it is his/her day to bring home a basket, he/she  may not bring a basket home.  If this should happen, please read two stories to your child instead of the basket assignment.  Baskets are a privilege and a part of your child’s homework.  If your child forgets to return the basket the next day, he/she will not be able to take a basket the following  week.  Not returning baskets prevents other children from enjoying them.

 Handwriting