Reading and Writing Children learn about reading and writing from hearing stories read aloud; seeing others read and write; reading and writing with the teacher; and having opportunities to interact with books, writing materials, and other forms of print. These learning experiences occur daily. When reading and writing, the children are encouraged to draw on background experiences and pictures, use meaning, language structure, and phonics (letter-sound) cues. Big books (books with large print and pictures), class books, and stories or poems with rhyme, rhythm, or repetitive patterns are appealing to kindergarten children and used daily in the classroom.

Mathematics
In kindergarten mathematics, children begin by using concrete objects to represent numbers and compare quantities (such as many, few, none, same, and different), represent and extend patterns, match and identify shapes, and sort objects. Problem-solving skills are encouraged and developed throughout the year as children make up their own math stories, solve and illustrate simple story problems, and share their thinking about how a problem is solved.

Science
In science, children investigate and understand simple patterns in their daily lives by recognizing classroom routines, observing and discussing daily weather patterns and seasonal changes.
Children begin to investigate and understand the needs and life processes of plants and animals. Activities with shapes, magnets, sand and water encourage further discovery, investigation, and problem solving.

Social Studies
Children examine a variety of picture books, information books, and other materials to acquire additional knowledge about themselves as individuals, part of a family, and a community. Children share family traditions and celebrations, observe changes within the community, and explore American traditions, leaders and historical events. In geography, children begin to learn basic terms and skills, and locate areas of land and water on maps and globes. Differences between economic needs and wants are included in the social studies program. Children participate in music, art, writing, technology, poetry, and dramatic representation activities as part of these learning experiences.

Art During weekly art classes, children explore paint, drawing materials, stitching, various types of weaving, collage, architecture, ceramics, and sculpture. Kindergartners have the opportunity to work on problem-solving skills in group projects like murals and sculptures. They also learn about famous artists.

Music and Movement
The music and movement strand provides students with integrated activities in music and movement. Children are involved in activities which emphasize the development of motor skills, physical fitness, coordination, musical skills, and creative expression. Children use balls, plastic hoops, and musical instruments to help develop these skills.

The kindergarten program utilizes a variety of learning centers for small group and individual learning. Center activities incorporate skills used in different areas of the kindergarten program.

Physical Education and Health
Primary children have an insatiable appetite to be active. The PE program fosters skill development, promotes lifetime fitness habits, and provides lots of fun! By focusing on skills rather than sports, children participate in a wide variety of activities to develop space awareness, balance, throwing and catching, and other motor skills. Gymnastics, rhythm, and dance are also important elements of the PE program.

Personal health and safety lessons are also important components of the kindergarten curriculum. Topics include nutrition, personal hygiene, avoiding harmful substances, and staying away from strangers. Each fall parents receive a description of the grade-level Family Life Education (FLE) lessons with the choice of opting a child out of some or all lessons.

Technology Kindergartners are involved in a variety of computer online and offline activities. These activities give students a basic introduction to the computer and keyboard. Kindergartners also use appropriate curriculum software as a tool for learning.

Gifted and Talented (GT) Program
In an effort to strengthen gifted services and expand the opportunity for additional challenge to a broader range of students, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) created a continuum of gifted services available to all students beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school. This continuum is offered across four levels of increasing challenge. The first level is introduced to all students in grades kindergarten through grade six and consists of model lessons that are designed to teach critical and creative thinking skills. The lessons are modeled in all classrooms by GT resource teachers and the thinking strategies are then used throughout the year by classroom teachers and other teachers who work with students. Level II services are provided in grades kindergarten through grade six by classroom teachers in collaboration with the GT resource teacher. Level III consists of direct services in grades three through six to students who have been identified by a local school screening committee. For more information please visit the GT website at http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/index.html

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Centre Ridge Elementary 14400 New Braddock Rd, Centerville, VA 20121
703-227-2600
FAX 703-227-2697
www.fcps.edu/CentreRidgeES

Curator: Pat Wilson - pawilson@fcps.edu
Last Updated: September 10, 2009