Kindergarten

LANK's Kindergarten program provides a unique experience in a small setting that focuses on development of the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. In an atmosphere of warmth and joy, children in the LANK Kindergarten program grow exponentially in self-confidence and self-actualization. This all-important year bridges preschool to first grade and is vital to provide children with the necessary tools for success in their school career.

What You Should Know

• Kindergarten is LANK's only full day program
• Kindergarten has a maximum enrollment of 16 students
• Children work closely in small groups with 2 teachers and several specialists to provide a highly individualized curriculum

Communication between home and school is deeply valued at LANK. There are three formal parent/teacher conferences per year in the Kindergarten program and parents also receive regular email updates to keep them informed about what is going on in the classroom. Teachers are also readily available to speak to parents regarding their child’s progress

Kindergarten Curriculum

An intimate setting of 16 children with two teachers in the Kindergarten program provides frequent opportunity for one-on-one interaction for each child. Mornings begin with a meeting of the entire class to set the goals and team plan, followed by teaching “blocks” which cover reading, math, science, and the arts. Several enrichment activities supplement the teaching ‘blocks’ and are designed to support the program’s core goals and objectives.

LANK’s Kindergarten reading curriculum focuses on developing strong creative writing and phonetic decoding skills. Using Macmillan/McGraw-Hill’s Treasures Reading Series, our Kindergarteners are exposed to literature-based learning experiences in order to develop strong word attack skills. Reading comprehension and fluency is emphasized. The corresponding comprehensive Writing Initiative encourages self-expression and continues to build each child’s self confidence as he or she progresses from writing single words to completing full sentences during the course of the year.

In our Math classes, a conceptual learning approach uses five focal points: number operations, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and algebra. The Math Connects Series by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill is used and ample opportunity exists within each unit for growth and individualization for every child.

Discovering Science and exploring Social Sciences is always exciting in our Kindergarten class. Students learn through experimentation and hands-on experiences with a wide variety of topics including simple machines, life cycles, dinosaurs, Native Americans, and geology. Throughout the year our young scientists build amazing habitats as they study the Stone Age, outer space, and their Northern Virginia community.

Kindergarten Enrichment

The enrichment program flourishes at the Kindergarten level with children participating in music, gymnastics, and 3 hours of weekly Spanish instruction. The children participate in frequent field trips to concerts, plays, and other cultural attractions. Outdoor time on the LANK playground rounds out the very important special activities needed for a successful day.

Kindergarteners also produce and star in at least 3 dramatic productions during the year. From making the scenery to striking the set, children participate in the theatrical process from beginning to end. Our plays are a definite highlight of the Kindergarten school year for children and theatergoers alike.

What to Expect

Because our Kindergarten curriculum is so extensive, the following provides just an example of the skills your child can expect to master throughout the school year.

Socially

• Solve problems independently
• Assume personal responsibility
• Complete tasks in a timely manner
• Follow directions

Language Arts

• Identify upper and lower case letters/sounds
• Use written symbols to communicate ideas
• Explore language through rhyme, poetry and dramatics
• Relate stories in logical manner
• Discuss books/characters and predict outcomes
• Read/write simple sentences; use simple punctuation

Mathematics

• Identify/count numbers to 100
• Count by twos, fives, and tens
• Sequence numbers/estimate quantities
• Demonstrate measurement concepts; develop spatial reasoning
• Solve simple addition and subtraction problems
• Introduce keyboarding and beginning computer skills
• Recognize calendar patterns
• Identify and begin to count coins
• Fill in numbers of a clock

Science

• Perform simple science experiments
• Collect and compare data
• Explore the five human senses
• Differentiate items that sink and float
• Understand life processes of plants and animals
• Learn the basic parts of an insect
• Use basic kitchen items to study various chemical reactions

Social Studies

• Learn behavior of a good citizen
• Learn about individual rights and responsibilities
• Learn about traditions and celebrations
• Compare/contrast family life in the past with that of the present
• Understand/respect cultures
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
• Learn basic mapping skills

Gross and Fine Motor Skills

• Write words on a line
• Construct shapes
• Assemble 50-100 piece puzzles
• String beads/grip pencils
• Jump rope
• Bounce/catch ball numerous times
• Hop, skip, and jump

We welcome the opportunity for you to come visit LANK during one of our Open House sessions during December and January to learn more about our outstanding Kindergarten. Contact us for more information.