Curriculum Information for Parents

Curriculum Alberta Education specifies what all students are expected to learn. The curriculum is organized into learner expectations in seven learning areas. These include: Early Literacy, Early Numeracy, Citizenship and Identity, Environment and Community Awareness, Personal and Social Responsibility, Physical Skills and Well-being, and Creative Expression. The Kindergarten program provides learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of all children. Early Literacy Early literacy is undoubtedly the most complex subject that I teach. Early Literacy focuses on children being actively engaged in acquiring language and constructing their own understanding of how oral and written language works. I teach six different strands: speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. In Kindergarten, your child will be taking part in:
Balanced Literacy Reading (Read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and eventually- independent reading) Phonemic Awareness (letter-sound knowledge) Introduction to sight words Printing Skills Word Work (word study skills) Listening, viewing and reading skill development Speaking Skills- use language prediction, ask questions, make relevant comments Oral reading development

Often, many of the early literacy outcomes are integrated with other subjects we do in Kindergarten. Early Numeracy My math program goal is to touch all of the math strands using a real world problem solving approach. In Kindergarten, mathematics learning is embedded in everyday activities, such as centers, playing, reading, beading, baking and storytelling. We will be exploring numbers, patterns, and shapes and space.
Number- Develop Number Sense (recognize, relate, represent and compare numbers to 10) Patterns and Relations- Patterns (recognize, reproduce, extend and create patterns; sort objects based on a single
attribute)

Patterns and Relations- Variables and Equations (represent algebraic expressions in multiple ways) Shape and Space- Measurement(use direct and indirect measurement to solve problems; compare two objects based on attributes such as length, mass and volume; build and describe 3-D objects)

Citizenship and Identity Citizenship and Identity focuses on the development of a strong sense of identity, self esteem and belonging. The Kindergarten students will explore who they are in relation to their world:
I am Unique Value and appreciate their unique characteristics, interests, gifts and talents Examine what makes them unique by exploring and reflecting upon various questions for inquiry Examine what makes them unique individuals Explore how we demonstrate respect for ourselves and others

I Belong Value how personal stories express what it means to belong Value and respect significant people in their lives Appreciate how their participation in their communities affect their sense of belonging Examine the characteristics and interests that bring people together in groups Examine ways in which people create a climate of cooperation

Part of the curriculum is to have students develop various skills and processes. They will be developing dimensions of thinking, social participation, research and communication. Environment and Community Awareness Kindergarten covers some exciting and fun topics. The students will show independence in exploratory activities in following a structured approach to investigating questions and problems. We will be investigating:
Seasonal Changes and Environment Colours, Shapes and Symbols Building, Materials and Tools (design/function/properties) Senses Exploring scientific and aesthetic concepts using: sand, water, blocks, clay and other materials Plants and Animals Community Helpers or Members Life Roles

Personal and Social Responsibility This year, the students will begin to develop and practice skills that they will continue to enhance throughout their lives:
Wellness and Personal Health Safety and Responsibility Relationship Choices (understanding and expressing feelings, friendships, appropriate behaviors, healthy interactions, and working cooperatively in small and large groups) Life Learning Choices (learning strategies, giving and receiving help, and understanding life roles)

In addition to the topics covered, I will also try to cover several character traits. In partnership with parents, schools should reinforce certain values. We will discuss and show the following character traits this year:
Respect Responsibility Honesty Empathy Fairness Initiative Perseverance Courage

Physical Skills and Well-being

Physical activity is vital to childrens growth and development. This year, the students will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead to continual involvement in physical activity. We will focus on:
Personal Responsibility Personal Safety-preventing and reducing risk Games and activities, using various equipment, to develop coordinated movement, balance an stability Development of eye-hand coordination

Creative Expression The children will explore and express their thoughts and feelings through visual arts, music drama and movement this year. They will begin to develop an appreciation of the fine arts, as they become aware of why and how ideas and feelings are communicated in many ways. We will focus on: Musical activities, games and songs Experimenting with media, tools and materials to represent their ideas and experiences Developing artistic expression

This will be an exciting year of learning for your child.