Welcome to our Kindergarten class! 

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Our classroom! ​We are so excited to share it with you!

Learning and Growing

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​Kindergarten Curriculum

The Kindergarten program serves students who are 5 years old by September 1 and are ready to engage in a more structured elementary learning environment. This program builds upon the foundational skills developed in early childhood while emphasizing academic growth, social-emotional maturity, independence, and responsibility.
Kindergarten students strengthen self-regulation, perseverance, and problem-solving skills as they learn to manage materials, follow classroom expectations, and collaborate with peers. A consistent and supportive classroom environment promotes confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
Instruction is intentionally structured and developmentally appropriate, with a strong focus on early literacy, foundational math concepts, written expression, science and social studies exploration, and critical-thinking skills. Teachers provide guided instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and independent practice to support the transition from play-based learning to more formal academic expectations.
The Kindergarten program partners closely with families to support each child’s growth and to ensure a smooth transition into the elementary years, laying a strong foundation for continued success in first grade and beyond.

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​Early LiteracyKindergarten literacy instruction is anchored in the Science of Reading and includes:

• UFLI Foundations daily phonics lessons
• Heggerty Kindergarten phonemic awareness
• Explicit instruction in letter–sound mastery
• Decodable reading practice in small groups
• High-frequency word instruction
• Vocabulary and comprehension through interactive read-alouds
• Weekly writing and handwriting routines

Children learn to blend, segment, read decodable text, spell phonetically, and develop early writing confidence.

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Science & Social StudiesKindergarten uses Little Thinkers units to explore themes that build curiosity and real-world understanding. Students learn about:

• Weather and seasons
• Community helpers
• Plants and animals
• Basic geography
• Famous Americans
• Early STEM exploration

Lessons include stories, hands-on activities, experiments, and collaborative projects.

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Handwriting & Fine Motor DevelopmentStudents strengthen pre-writing and writing skills through:

• Daily handwriting practice
• Pencil grip development
• Drawing and labeling
• Fine-motor centers
• Hands-on building and manipulative play

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MathematicsKindergarten students build strong mathematical thinking through hands-on exploration, visual models, and real-world problem solving. Instruction includes:

• Number sense and place value foundations
• Counting and comparing
• Addition and subtraction readiness
• Shapes and geometry
• Sorting, classifying, and patterning
• Measurement, data, and simple graphing
• Daily math talks and practice centers

These concepts prepare students for more formal math instruction in 1st grade.

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Social–Emotional LearningKindergarten continues our schoolwide use of Conscious Discipline, helping students:

• Practice self-regulation
• Build friendships
• Resolve conflicts respectfully
• Recognize and express emotions
• Develop independence and responsibility

These skills support a smooth transition into elementary expectations.

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Faith & Character DevelopmentAs an Episcopal school, SCES nurtures each child’s spiritual growth through:

• Weekly chapel
• Bible stories that teach love, kindness, and gratitude
• Daily classroom practices that reinforce empathy and respect

We joyfully welcome families of all backgrounds.

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A Confident Start to Elementary SchoolKindergarten at SCES provides the ideal blend of structure, exploration, and academic rigor. By the end of the year, students are well-prepared for 1st grade with strong reading, early math, social–emotional, and independence skills.

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Mrs. Carol Kimmel