Junior Kindergarten

 

The Junior Kindergarten program focuses on readying students for Kindergarten, using a Kindergarten level math and phonics program to accomplish this goal. Students are formally instructed in small groups for math and language in a traditional setting. Students also learn in self-instructed centers which are influenced by a Montessori environment. Routine and a focus on patriotism, manners and respect define the order of the room.

 

Patience, self-control and fostering independence are an integral part of the curriculum. Social and emotional skills are developed during morning circle and through daily interaction. The students are encouraged to model positive behavior and are rewarded for their accomplishments. Good working habits are taught through positive reinforcement and the consistency of the program itself.

The students have classes in Spanish, Sacred Studies, Music, Computers, Art and Physical Education (including weekly Yoga). They also attend Chapel and Library weekly.

Junior Kindergarten Language Development Curriculum

The Junior Kindergarten language development program is designed to introduce both Spanish and American Sign Language to the student. In addition to both languages being used throughout the day, there will be two weekly lessons dedicated to Spanish instruction.

Spanish objectives include:

• Learning basic Spanish vocabulary such as; reciting numbers, colors, shapes, body Parts, animals, pets, clothing, foods, sports, objects in the Classroom, objects in the bathroom, objects in the kitchen and on the kitchen table and members of the family.
• Students will also learn their five (5) senses, learn basic greetings and salutations, the months of the year and the days of the week.
• Students will also learn Spanish heritage, holidays and countries of Spanish

American Sign Language objects include:

• Learning how to sign the alphabet; basic vocabulary, signs for Florida's endangered species, animals, objects in the classroom, basic commands, emotions, family members, greetings and salutations.

All language development lessons will be reinforced through repetition, songs, games, books, flash cards and arts and crafts.

Other topic areas include:

• PHONICS-Students learn the 26 letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make, as well as the first 20 high frequency (sight words) from the Dolch Word List. Short vowels sounds are introduced to facilitate pre-reading.
  
  
• SCIENCE-Endangered species native to the State of Florida are studied. Recycling and environmental conservation are also taught. Gardening and the study of plant growth from seed to grown plant are covered twice a year. The Junior Kindergarten students plant and maintain a portion of the school-wide garden. There is a hands-on study of the lifecycle of the Monarch butterfly.
  
  
• READING BUDDIES-Students are paired with a "reading buddy" from the Third grade. The program emphasizes mentoring, leadership skills and a love of reading. Students meet and read with their reading buddy once a week. Reading buddies are invited to attend special occasions throughout the year, as well.
  
  
• CHESS-The class is exposed to the strategies, pieces and game of chess. Mastery is not expected, but a general knowledge of the moves of individual pieces will be learned and enjoyed, both in groups and two-person play.
  
  
• SPANISH- Students are exposed to foreign language in an age appropriate manner. Numbers, colors, body parts, animal names and salutations are introduced in a musical manner; by using story books and through repetition. They are reinforced traditionally through seatwork.
  
  
• SACRED STUDIES-The program includes both a school-wide weekly Chapel service and classroom study program. The overarching theme of the program is love of God, self and others. Students will learn Jesus' summary of the Law and that God is Love. They will learn that prayer is talking and listening to God. Students will explore various Bible stories , practice service to others and have Peace education with I-Care Cat (puppet) and friends.
  
  
• MUSIC-The JK curriculum introduces the basics of reading music (including recognizing and writing music notes), music appreciation, performance etiquette, singing and matching pitches, recognition of musical instruments, how to warm-up vocally and group two-part singing to name a few. There are also two concerts per school year wherein the student will perform.
  
  
• COMPUTERS-Students attend a weekly computer lab wherein basic computer use is taught though various computer activities/games that reinforce the JK math/phonics curriculum. Students learn the parts of a computer, to control the mouse and basic key board functions.
  
  
• ART-The Fine Arts program teaches art concepts and skills through an experience based approach. Students will be introduced to elements and principals of design. We will cover differences in shapes and forms, differences in light (tints) and dark (shades), lines, primary/secondary/tertiary colors, texture, balance, symmetry, space.
  
  
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION-The JK students attend physical education classes weekly in the gym. The program is created to cultivate the child's basic skills. The goal is to develop physical skills such as (Hopping, running, skipping and jumping); Hand/Eye coordination (throwing and catching a ball; hitting and bouncing balls). As well as patience, following instructions and good sportsmanship.
  
  
• YOGA- This program is designed to promote stronger bodies and stronger character. The weekly lessons incorporate children's yoga, nature and creative imagery for the students.
  
  
• LIBRARY-Students have scheduled Library period each week. During this time the JK class is involved in the following activities; Children's literature is read and discussed, poems are recited, big books are utilized for visual learning. Students are exposed to music in order to provide variety and student participation, Filmstrips and CD's add to auditory and visual learning, there is movement around the Library; flannel board characters are utilized.