Kindergarten
- Mrs. Joan Voight, Teacher
- Mrs. Kim Bearden, Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Welcome! Kindergarten at St. George's is a wonderful starting point for children to 'ignite their fire' for learning. In addition to the core curriculum shown below, students attend chapel, art, music, Spanish and P.E. classes.
Curriculum
Social Studies/Science - Science and Social Studies are taught in thematic units. The themes will change every month. The following is the schedule for the year:
- August – My Family and Friends and Me!
- October – Georgia Backyard Critters
- September – Desert Animals
- November – Georgia Creek Indians
- December – The author Jan Brett
- January – Penguins
- February – African Savanna
- March – Nutrition and Farm Animals
- April – The Rainforest
- May – The Ocean
Mathematics - We use the Sadlier-Oxford Mathematics Program. Your child will have a workbook and a homework workbook. We also use hands-on manipulatives with activities to teach a foundation in developing Math skills.
Centers - Centers occur in the morning and last approximately one and a half hours. Centers include: Sand/Water Table, Listening, Creative Writing, Art, Handwriting, Library, Blocks, Drama, Calendar, Phonics, Computers, Puzzles, Games, Science, and Math Tubs.
Explode the Code - This phonics program is a traditional phonics-based program. We have created the Consonant/Vowel/Consonant list of words from the Explode the Code Books 1 and 11/2. The children will develop a foundation in reading initial, middle and ending sounds to words. They will begin to put it all together and begin reading!!!!
Field Trips - The following field trips occur in kindergarten: Dauset Trails, Ocumulgee Indian Mounds, Callaway Gardens and the Atlanta Zoo.
Rest Time Procedures - our rest time is about 40 minutes. We play classical music. The children are to let their brains take a rest. Eventually they will be able to take a book to look at and read. Children need the break, but do not have to sleep.
Classroom Management
An art? A science? Both!! Classroom management is both an art and a science. Every year, my experience with children has provided me with more 'tools for my toolbox' to meet their needs.
Establishing a predictable routine is probably the most important management tool there is. When children know what to expect and when things happen, there is a lot less down time and less opportunity for trouble. My priority from day one is to let them know what they can expect from us and what we expect from them. The beginning of school is devoted to establishing those classroom routines that will allow efficiency and consistency all year long. By the end of the first quarter, I consider a child doing fine if they have learned the classroom system and something new academically. It takes time and energy to adjust to the new routine, so I prefer they focus in this way at first.
On the positive side, I use lots of specific verbal compliments to let the kids know how much I appreciate their helpfulness or kindness or neatness or attentiveness. We build a classroom community where the children are encouraged to take responsibility for making our environment a pleasant place, to solve problems, and to take care of materials.
I believe in using logical consequences. Children correct inappropriate behavior and verbalize what more appropriate approach might be substituted. They are encouraged to draw conclusions about what the 'right thing' is and are given time to polish their etiquette.
