A Comprehensive Kindergarten Curriculum Aligned with New York Learning Standards

Kindergarten lays the groundwork for education. Children learn language, math, and socialization through play. Kindergarteners learn through play, hands-on activities, and structured lessons. Play-based learning encourages curiosity and skills, while hands-on exploration teaches concepts. Group activities foster empathy and teamwork. They develop through physical activity, creative arts, and emotional growth. Technology and individualized instruction can accommodate different learning styles. Kindergarten prepares kids for lifelong learning and academic success.

Language and Literacy

• Reading Foundations
  Phonics, letter recognition, and early reading strategies.
• Reading Literature:
  Understanding stories, characters, and plot.
  Understanding basic concepts and reading informational texts.
• Writing:
  Narrative writing, sentence structure, and conventions.
• Speaking and listening:
  Communication, discussion.
  Development of vocabulary, grammar, and usage.

Mathematics

• Counting and Cardinality:
  Cardinality, counting sequences, and number sense.
• Operations and Algebraic Thinking:
  Addition, subtraction, and basic equations.
  Base Ten Number Operations: Place value, number representation.
• Measurement and Data:
  Measurement concepts, data collection, and analysis.
• Geometry:
  Basic shapes, spatial relationships, and geometry.

Science

• Physical science: Matter, energy, and forces.
• Life Science: Animals, plants, and habitats.
• Earth and Space Science: Climate and environment.
• Engineering Design: STEM Education

Social Studies

• Individual Development and Cultural Identity
  Awareness of self as an individual
  Self within a group and within the community
  Awareness and appreciation of their own culture and other cultures
• Family and Community Engagement:
  Family learning and development.
  Collaborations with the community.
• Civic Ideals and Practices
  Rules, duties, and community.
• Geography, Humans and the Environment
  Basic geography, maps, and local environment.
• Time. Continuity and Change
  Past and present historical figures and traditions.
• Economic Systems:
  Needs and wants.

Emotional and Social Development

• Being aware of emotions and self-esteem.
• Cooperation, empathy, conflict resolution Social Skills.
• Making responsible decisions.
• Relationships: Positive peer and adult relationships.

PE

• Gross motor skills: Running, jumping, skipping, throwing.
• Fine Motor Skills: Hand-eye coordination.
• Fitness, nutrition, and safety.

Visual and Performing Arts:

• Art: Drawing, painting, crafting.
• Basic rhythm and music concepts.
• Dance: Basic expression and movement.
• Drama’s creative play and storytelling.

Music

The New York States standards cover areas like singing, playing instruments, movement, and listening skills. They aim to foster students’ musical abilities and understanding from an early age. In Kindergarten we:

• Create music by experimenting with instruments
• Perform music with expression
• Respond to musical selections provided by the teacher
• connect to music by exploring found in the environment

Engineering and Tech:

• Basic Computer Skills: Digital Device Use.
• Solution: Simple engineering problems.
• Digital Citizenship: Technology safety and responsibility.

Evaluation and Progress Tracking:

• Student development and progress are evaluated by observation.
• Assessment-based personalized support.
• Importantly, the New York State Standards outline each subject area.
• Teaching adapt and design activities, lessons, and assessments based on these standards and students’ diverse needs.
• The curriculum also includes hands-on activities, play-based learning, and student choice and exploration.