Our Philosophy
Welcome to the St. Francis School kindergarten program!
Children will learn both formally and informally through a wide range of activities.
Early elementary social skills that our program targets for development include the following:
- Respect for and acceptance of others
- Taking turns and sharing
- Conflict management
- Listening to others
- Working independently in large and small groups
- Following directions and rules
- Caring for self
- Self control and personal responsibility
- Confidence
- Perseverance
- Critical thinking skills
- Making good choices
Kindergarten Curriculum
Religion:
The religious education program for kindergarten children is designed to support parents in educating their children about the Catholic faith. The children are taught that they are unique and that God has given each of them special gifts and talents. They learn to follow the way of Jesus by being kind to others and by treating their classmates and adults with respect. They learn spontaneous prayer as well as formal prayers that are said every day in class. In addition to the formal Stories of God’ Love program, the children learn about the lives of saints (St. Francis, St. Patrick, patron saints, etc.), Mary, the Mother of God and simple Bible stories. There are special projects during Advent and Lent that encourage the students to do good deeds for others. The children also learn about the importance of stewardship. Faith development is a process that is started at home and reinforced at school by encouraging students to help others, take turns, listen and care for other people. Teachers provide a warm, loving environment where everyone is accepted as a special child of God. Students will attend Mass with the entire school.
Reading/Phonics/Spelling/Handwriting:
Kindergarten has adopted a program titled: CR Success Early Literacy (formerly known as the F.A.S.T. Early Literacy Program). It is a research-based program that provides direct instruction in the five essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. It also has specific instruction in spelling and handwriting. Its unique characteristic is its holistic integration of phonological skills, systematic phonics and language-based instruction. It includes a comprehensive scope and sequence, summative and formative assessments and the use of active, multi sensory learning.
Mathematics:
Our formal program for math is Math Expressions. The scope and sequence from the program is used along with other resource materials aligned with core concepts, hands on activities, explanation and student application. Kindergarten uses math instruction that exploits the critical stages of cognitive growth in children.
Other Academic and Special Classes:
Social Studies
Science
Writing
Technology
Music
Physical Education
Library
Spanish