Kindergarten at Hunt Valley Elementary School is a half-day program.  We currently have two AM sessions and one PM session.  The kindergarten program is structured to meet each child’s needs, interests, and level of development.  Social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth is enhanced through a variety of activities. 

The language arts program provides daily opportunities to hear stories read aloud, interact with books and other forms of print, and practice writing and drawing skills.  Development of pre-reading/reading skills occurs naturally within the framework of using literature to expand and enrich the prior knowledge and experience of the students. 

In math, kindergarten students begin by using concrete objects to develop sorting and patterning skills.  Problem-solving skills are stimulated and developed as we build on these experiences.  The use of manipulatives is key to the development of number sense.  This solid foundation using concrete objects leads to clearer understanding and readiness for working with abstract math concepts.

The science and social studies curriculum incorporates a variety of picture books and hands-on experiences to present information.  Students participate in classroom experiments and observations of scientific concepts such as weather patterns and life cycles.  Discovery and investigation are encouraged.  Students learn important lessons about their community, American traditions and leaders, economics, and geography.   

Kindergarten students participate in movement activities, music classes, and introductory activities in the computer lab.  Students enjoy learning centers within the kindergarten classroom that promote development of motor skills, creativity, intellectual understanding, and social skills.