At the Brookfield Elementary School Kindergarten, we believe that children flourish in an environment that is loving, nurturing, and supportive, and in which ALL children can achieve success. It is our goal to attend to the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of every child.

We are committed to developmentally appropriate practices that are based on solid research and knowledge of child development and its stages of growth. Differences in children are expected, respected, and responded to by the teachers. Within a carefully planned curriculum, children are allowed to move at their own pace and choose activities that meet the needs of their own individual development.

We believe that children learn and internalize concepts through play. Hence, open-ended centers such as a writing table, block area, sand area, book area, listening center, science/discovery table, dramatic play, and computer and painting/art area provide the framework for a multi-sensory, child-centered approach to learning.

The basis of the curriculum is communication through language. Reading and writing are explored using a whole language model, with isolated skills taught in the context of real literature, poetry, and conversation. Curriculum areas such as mathematics, science, and social studies are taught using a hands-on approach, utilizing exciting and concrete manipulatives. In order to enrich learning, subjects are integrated across the curriculum, and often follow a thematic approach.

Skills

The following is a list of the basic skills that are covered throughout the kindergarten year. The list is by no means exhaustive (you'd be reading forever): Reading Readiness

• Writes first and last name
• Names colors and shapes
• Understanding that print carries meaning
• Recognizes and names all upper and lower case letters
• Has appropriate sound/symbol awareness
• Recognizes kindergarten sight vocabulary
• Recognizes color words
• Recognizes number words
• Able to retell a story effectively in own words
• Able to sequence parts of a story
• Recognizes basic print conventions: capital letters, words, sentences, punctuation
• Uses age appropriate vocabulary
• Chooses to look at books independently

Writing (respects child's individual development)

• Able for form letters correctly and legibly
• Uses process writing (inventive spelling) comfortably
• Implements sight vocabulary in writing
• Writes for an audience-uses effective detail in drawings and writings
• Independently chooses to write (at writing center, etc.)
• Writes on primary lines paper (only if ready to do so)

Math

• Counts by rote to 20 (or more, of course!)
• Identifies numerals 1-20
• Writes numerals 1-20
• Internalized number concepts (making sets in different ways for numbers)
• Shows one-to-one correspondence
• Can independently produce and extend a pattern
• Can sort and classify objects effectively
• Effective problem solving techniques
• Understands comparison questions of more, less, same, graphing techniques
• Beginning addition and subtraction

Fine Motor Development

• Dresses self-buttons, zips, snaps, ties shoe (with assistance)
• Is comfortable holding and writing with pencils, crayons, and other writing materials
• Uses scissors effectively-can cut simple and more complex shapes
• Can participate in sign language alphabet-can copy hand movements

Physical Science

• Differences and similarities of matter and materials
• Magnetism
• Heat, light and shadows
• Sound
• Objects in motion/ramps

Earth and Space Science

• Weather/seasons
• Water cycle
• Rocks and minerals
• Fossils and dinosaurs

Life Science

• Animals living and extinct
• Life cycles/changes
• Health and nutrition
• Seeds
• Body and senses
• Weather
• Habitat

Social Studies

• Important figures in U.S. history
• Major national holidays
• People of other lands, fables, folk tales, fairy tales
• Major global features continents, oceans, poles, axis, equator
• Capitals: Washington, D.C., Boston, etc.

Open communication with parents is encouraged at all times. Our desire is that both you and your child receive the best possible start to your school career here at the Brookfield Elementary School, and that your child develops a positive attitude toward himself/herself as a learner and as a person.

We are proud to announce that the Brookfield Elementary Kindergarten program has been fully accredited with the National Academy for Early Childhood Programs. The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators.