The Berry Patch Early Learning Center

Reading is a Process

Learning to read is the most exciting and challenging part of Kindergarten. Please remember that all children learn differently and progress at different rates. Some children will begin this school year with a firm grasp of the letter names and the sounds associated with them. Others may know only a few letter names, while others are emergent readers. Some will progress slowly, others rapidly. During class each individual child will be learning at their own developmentally and academically appropriate level. This ensures that all students are enriched and challenged throughout the day. Benchmarks that we will focus on during the reading process will be centered around: concepts about print, phonological awareness, decoding and word recognition, and fluency.

Reading Program Benchmarks:

Understand sound/word relationship Recognize letters and words Understand word spacing Follow words across pages Understand function of book parts Understand concept of author/illustrator Understand all sound symbol relationships Blend sounds to make words Manipulate letters to change words Produce rhymes Identify syllables in words Identify all consonant sounds Recognize rhyming words Decode one syllable words Sound out unknown words Recognize high frequency words Decode using context clues Answer questions Retell and reenact stories Identify meaningful text Follow text during read alouds Listen and respond to text Writing, Spelling, Handwriting, and Listening

Students love writing on their own! In the beginning it is often difficult to decipher what they are trying to write, but that is a normal part of learning to write. Children are encouraged to try to write by sounding out words, putting down letters for the sounds they hear. Early on, children mostly write just beginning and ending sounds. Middle sounds come later in the process. The vowels are most difficult of all. Do not worry that your child will be a poor speller because she/he is encouraged to write this way. Eventually, as they learn the rules of spelling, they begin to apply them and make the transition to conventional spelling. Children will work on Guided Writing together by assisting the teacher in writing the Afternoon Message to the parents. Benchmarks that we will focus on during this process will be centered around: writing process, writing as a product, mechanics and handwriting, spelling, and writing forms.

Writing, Spelling, Handwriting, and Listening Benchmarks:

Recognize speech/written word relationships Contribute to shared writing Create picture stories Print first and last name Sequence story events Generate ideas Present finished products Discuss writing Choose work samples for portfolio Recognize directionality and spacing of words Increase penmanship control Copy all letters of alphabet Label pictures Spell name and familiar words Print words using letters/sound knowledge Communicate responses Discuss word samples Respond to literature

Mathematics Program

Mathematics Program Benchmarks:

Count forward and backward to 20 Count by 2s to 10, 5s to 30, and 10s to 100 Add and subtract number facts to 5 using concrete objects Recognize coins and their values Name basic pattern block shapes Recognize simple examples of symmetry Tell time to the nearest hour Order objects by length and weight Collect and record data using graphs Create word problems Make reasonable estimations

During the course of the year we will be using the following tools:

Instruments of measurement (scales, rulers, yard sticks, tape measurers) Money 2d and 3d shapes Counting tools (counting sticks/cubes/blocks) Different clocks Manipulatives that create symmetry Mathematical computer games

Science Program

Sciences classes will include exploring, experimenting, and observing different objects, substances, and nature. Lessons include learning how to record data and hypothesis outcomes.

Science Program Benchmarks:

Identify senses and uses of them Use senses to investigate matter Develop information gathering strategies Use scientific tools Record observations Identify basic needs of organisms Compare the diversity of organisms Recognize that individuals vary Recognize that some organisms are extinct Describe and sort materials based on properties Combine materials and observe properties Apply understanding of properties Recognize sun as a source of heat Recognize suns effect on shadows Recognize effect of weather on life Use tools to investigate weather

Social Studies Program

Social Studies allows us to explore ourselves and the world around us. Community and culture are very important and are discussed at length during class. We will meet community helpers and learn what their roles are. We will also learn about our cultures and what makes us unique. Becoming familiar with maps is very important and the children will be introduced to reading them.

Social Studies Program Benchmarks:

Understand that people have roles and responsibilities Understand people work together to fulfill needs Understand transportation and communication Understand influence of community members on lives Understand family unit Recognize family unit influences beliefs and values Compare and contrast past and present family life Understand symbols reflect rules Understand costumes with cultures Recognize national holidays Recognize American symbols Understand clothing of cultures Understand maps and show landmarks Use map to locate places to learn Recognize United States on globe

Music Program

Musical Education Benchmarks:

Sing alone and with others Distinguish between singing and speaking voice Play a variety of instruments Play alone and with others Identify high and low sounds Demonstrate ability to maintain steady beat Explore language and music via word play, poems, chants, childrens literature, and songs Explore visual art, creative play, and movement to enhance their music-making experience Understand the function of music in society Experience music of various genres, cultures, and historical periods Experience music from various historical periods

During the course of the year we will be exploring the following:

Rhythm and rhyme Musical instruments Singing Song writing Different genres of music (country, classical, musicals, pop, etc.) Performing arts (winter concert)

Art Program

Art is a form of experimentation and expression. Children will utilize different tools to create masterpieces.

Art Program Benchmarks:

Create art work using different tools and materials Creating lines that are curved, zig zagged, wavy, and dotted lines Utilizing different shapes to create Respond to visual information presented in a work of art Expressing feelings through different materials Discuss and view famous artist and their works of art Spanish Program Our Spanish Champs Program allows the children to learn Spanish in a fun environment. Familiar stories will be read in Spanish and the children will learn how to have simple conversations. Introducing the Spanish language to the children will also open the door to learn about Spanish culture. We will explore Spanish music, food, clothes, and customs. Spanish Program Benchmarks: Relate cultural information of Spanish speaking countries Greet and bid farewell Introduce self Name the days of the week Identify at least 5 colors Identify different types of weather Identify different family members