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Kindergarten
The kindergarten program provides a stimulating academic curriculum which recognizes the needs of five- and six-year-old children to move about easily, to socialize fully, and to learn through play and exploration. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-balanced, integrated program that emphasizes the daily teaching of reading, oral and written language, mathematics, and social studies. Thematic teaching incorporates specialist teachers and allows for in-depth studies across the curriculum. Equally important is the development of personal integrity, confidence, and consideration for others.
Language skills and reading form the foundation of the kindergarten curriculum. Understanding that children need to be engaged for learning to occur, the faculty has developed a balanced reading program. Students participate in read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading, with individualized and small group instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Spelling in the early childhood years follows a natural progression from inventive spelling, which is phonetic, to conventional spelling. These skills are connected as the students write in their journals every morning. Drama productions, musicals, and assemblies allow these youngest learners to gain confidence and develop oral speaking skills.
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The development of thinking skills forms the basis of the math curriculum in kindergarten. The program is integrated into a variety of activities throughout the day, providing many opportunities for children to create and solve math problems that have relevance to their everyday lives. A wide range of manipulative activities and frequent interactions with other students and teachers provide a solid foundation of mathematical concepts, vocabulary, and experiences.
In social studies students are introduced to the basic aspects of their immediate world, which includes the family, school, and the community. Using their natural curiosity, students are introduced to history and geography through connections between the world today and the world long ago. The story of history is shared through literature, as kindergarteners broaden their horizons from familiar environments to a larger world. Students begin to understand their place as member of a community through discussions of good decision-making and the need for people to cooperate and work together. They learn that being a good citizen involves following rules, such as sharing, taking turns, and being responsible for themselves and others. Character development is emphasized during Tecolote Tuesday assemblies and through the new Swooper Citizens program.
KINDERGARTEN CLASS BLOG: Swoop into Kindergarten!
KINDERGARTEN CLASS BLOG: Swoop into Kindergarten!
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.