Lower School: Kindergarten

Kindergarten prepares children for our Lower School program.  Academically, we focus on phonetics-based reading instruction, mathematics, spelling, handwriting, science, and history.  The class begins each day with a worship service, and the children memorize selected Bible verses.  They enjoy singing hymns of praise and listening to the daily Bible story.  Throughout the day, we focus on practical application and character building.

Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1st. 

Phonics

Our students excel in reading, spelling, and writing because of our phonics curriculum.  Throughout the kindergarten year we study all letters of the alphabet as well as certain blends, digraphs, and diphthongs.

This process builds throughout the year until the children have learned the various sounds of the letters as well as the sounds represented by the letter combinations—a solid foundation upon which to perfect skills of reading and writing. Material for reading exercises includes word lists, various class readers, and (during the second semester) daily home-reading books that suit each student’s advancing reading skills.   To the children’s delight, we also make crafts, sing songs, and play games, all of which are carefully designed to enhance the comprehension of phonetic sounds.

Writing Instruction

Writing instruction naturally correlates with the spelling and phonics program. We develop visual, auditory, manual, and oral skills simultaneously for each sound.   The children have weekly spelling tests and eventually write short, simple sentences as they are dictated.  By the end of the kindergarten year, the children write well and with neat handwriting. 

Number Work

The children learn to count to one hundred by ones, twos, fives, and tens.  They also learn to identify and write numbers 1-100.   Additionally, they master simple addition and subtraction facts, as well as basic concepts related to place value, money, geometric shapes, and telling time.

Science

In the science lab, the children enjoy hands-on experience that coordinates with subjects covered in class.  Some highlights include raising caterpillars into painted-lady butterflies and watching tadpoles grow into frogs.

American History

Most of our American and Texas history lessons revolve around holidays.  The children enjoy crafts such as edible “banana boats” celebrating Columbus’ voyage to the New World and a “Teddy Bear Parade” to remember President Teddy Roosevelt.

Activities

Our full-day program allows ample time for activities that help to enrich the child’s school experience. Among these activities are art, music, physical education, and Scottish dancing.