Kindergarten

Willowwind uses Math in Focus, a Singapore-based approach, to teach math. This curriculum engages students with topics while allowing them to gain a deep understanding of math concepts. Math in Focus lessons interlock concepts and skills by teaching both "the why" and “the how.” The curriculum draws on students' prior knowledge to combine problem-solving strategies with critical thinking skills when approaching complex mathematical concepts. Kindergarten students receive math instruction at their level to establish a solid foundation on which to grow. It is the goal of Math in Focus to ensure that students master content, not repeat it. Math in Focus ensures students are engaged in mastery level experiences, improve computational and problem-solving skills, and are prepared for algebraic thinking.

The literacy workshop in kindergarten consists of a variety of both independent and teacher-led activities. Students are offered opportunities to explore their interests within the areas of reading, spelling, and writing. This encourages students to take ownership of their learning while developing their foundational literacy skills. A combination of whole group and small group teaching allows the teacher to closely individualize instruction. Our kindergarten program uses Jolly Phonics and Heggerty as a starting point for building explicit phonics, spelling, writing, and phonemic awareness skills. Reading establishes a strong connection to lifelong learning. Willowwind is committed to employing the most up-to-date, evidence-based practices when it comes to teaching students to read. In addition to their core literacy block, kindergarteners also engage in a variety of literacy activities throughout the day as lessons integrate with science and social studies. Students use these opportunities to practice applying skills and strategies they have learned. 

Willowwind’s focus on project-based learning allows students to deeply explore topics and engage in authentic dialogue about the world around them. Kindergarten students begin to learn the ins and outs of project-based learning. Projects link to a curricular theme often span several months and may include plant life cycle study, weather and seasonal observation and recording, and character education projects.

Kindergarteners spend the fall semester defining words that make Willowwind students proud, including: kind, helpful, peace, respect, responsible, stewardship. During the second semester of the year, the kindergarteners lead a school-wide kindness initiative each where they ask our Willowwind community, “What can we do to be kind?” This unit empowers some of our youngest students to take a leadership role in our school community, and instills the importance of compassion and empathy for others.

The Kindergarten science curriculum focuses on our connections to the natural world. Each science unit exposes students to hands-on lessons that correspond to what they are already observing in their world. Students learn to find answers to questions stemming from their everyday environmental experiences. Observation is key as kindergarteners explore concepts like growth cycles, plant and fruit structures, and weather. They explore questions like “What are seasons?” and “Why do they change?” Hands-on STEAM exploration engages students’ minds as they work to complete both individual and group challenges. Freedom to experiment encourages the development of creative and spatial thinking that the 21st century demands.

Willowwind’s kindergarten year focuses on ways students can be the best versions of themselves. This helps students develop a keen sense of personal and civic responsibility. Willowwind upholds a strong commitment to creating purposeful opportunities for students to act upon their desire to grow as respectful citizens. Practicing respect, responsibility, kindness, creativity, stewardship, helpfulness, and peacefulness promotes excellence in living, as well as learning. Willowwind provides a social emotional curriculum emphasizing students’ respect and appreciation of themselves, others, and the natural world. Students are encouraged to think like global citizens. This instills a sense of belonging, a climate of trust, and a joyful merging of social, emotional, and intellectual development.

Kindergarten students engage in a variety of exploratory class offerings each week. Exploratories aim to enhance the core curriculum and engage the whole child through enriching learning opportunities. Kindergarten exploratory classes include, Visual Art, Music, Physical Education, STEAM, Integrated Arts, Social Emotional Learning, and Group Discussion. 

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