The Kindergarten Program
The three basic areas of academic concern in Kindergarten are Language Readiness, Reading Readiness and Math Readiness.
Language Readiness
Almost everything we do in our classroom involves language development. It is the readiness area that overlaps all areas of learning. Reading especially builds upon the oral language experience. Your child must have a good basic vocabulary, a reasonable range of knowledge about the world around him/her, and the ability to express his knowledge before he/she can be expected to comprehend the written word. Oral language is your childs main means of communication. Our activities, such as opening, poems, rhymes, singing, and big books stress the development of your childs oral language. Reading aloud to your child also encourages verbal interaction at home.
Reading Readiness
Your child will learn the sounds of the alphabet through our reading program,
Open Court. This program includes those essential concepts that research has repeatedly shown are necessary for learning to read.
* The alphabetic principle
* Phonemic awareness and phonics
* Comprehension strategies and skills
* Inquiry techniques and strategies
* The writing process and writing skills
Math Readiness
Everyday Mathematics is the math curriculum that has been adopted by Fremont Unified School District. It has a hands-on, discovery learning approach that will work well with Kindergarten. This year I will cover:
* Sorting and classifying * Matching and Counting * Patterns * Numbers | * Money * Time * Addition * Subtraction |
I also do many Math Their Way activities which stress experiences with concrete materials to effectively teach a young child math concepts. Your child will be introduced to Touch Points and most of the children will be able to do simple addition and subtraction by the end of the school year.
Our Day
Every day is divided into a variety of time blocks, with your childs attention span and need for activity and movement carefully factored into our plans. Each day includes most of the following:
* Opening Activities
* Reading Readiness
* Math Readiness
* Workshop/Choosing
* Motor Development Activities
* Music and Literature
* Snack and Recess
Character Counts
Once a month we will award one student per class an award for a character trait. These awards are based on our Character Education Programs 8 Great Traits. While I would like to give these awards to many students, I am only allowed to give each award to one. This is a school-wide program, so if your child does not win an award this year, he/she will have six more years to earn one.
Homework/Communication
Homework will come home in a packet every Monday, and needs to be returned on Friday in the Brier School Folder. Please provide a quiet place and daily routine for your child. I feel that homework is important, and truly makes a difference in your childs education. It is also crucial that your childs first experience with homework be guided by a parent who makes the experience a positive one.
Classroom Behavior
I believe in expecting, encouraging and promoting positive classroom behavior. I focus on what is being done well, both as a group and individually. My expectation is for students to:
* Show Respect
* Make Good Decisions
* Problem Solve
However, if a child makes a choice not to follow class rules, he/she will first receive a verbal reminder. Then, if the problem persists, he/she will be asked to sit by themselves in a time-out chair. I will always follow up with that child so that he/she is clear as to why he/she was removed from the group. I will also keep in contact with parents regarding any problems in this area. Kindergarten is critical in molding the children into good citizens. I truly appreciate your support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me (kclaassen@fremont.k12.ca.us), stop by for a visit after school, call (657-5020) or send a note with your child. I will do my best to get back to you by the following school day.
