Language Arts: The children continue building their phonics and literacy skills with Montessori materials. Additionally, kindergarteners sequentially review their literacy skills using the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program. This program is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and is based on the best available research about literacy development. The CKLA curriculum extends and supports our Montessori morning work cycles. Embedded within Montessori’s cultural and scientific curricula are studies of Geography, History, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art, and Music. These areas of study are extensions of language development, allowing our children to learn about many other cultures and historical contexts while developing their consciousness as global citizens.

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Math: Our Kindergartners work with Montessori Materials, and their math skills are expanded using the highly regarded Singapore Math teaching approach. Singapore Math teaches mathematical concepts in three steps, similar to Montessori Math: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. The Singapore Math program nicely builds on the concrete foundation all our students have developed using the Montessori materials. Singapore Math also strongly focuses on word problems, so students learn what computation to use based on the situation.  We also apply differentiated instruction and use ability grouping in our math program.  This approach complements, enhances, and expands our children’s mathematical approach and understanding. Parents receive in-depth information on the Core Knowledge Language Skills program and Singapore Math, along with details on the Montessori Kindergarten curriculum, during Back-to-School Night, Parent Conferences, and other parent education events.

 

STEAM: Our Cultural Studies section of the Primary classroom covers many science concepts; however, as the only National Institute for STEM Education school-certified school in New Jersey, we introduce our Kindergarteners to a weekly STEAM class led by our STEAM-certified teachers. Our Kindergarteners attend a science lab class, learning essential concepts, such as the scientific method and exploring fundamental science themes, in preparation for our rich STEAM curriculum throughout Elementary through Middle School.
 

Art: Children explore various artists and art forms and learn about a different artist, medium/technique, or theme each month. Some artists studied may include Kandinsky, Haring, Kahlo, Matisse, Picasso, O’Keefe, Dali, and Van Gogh. For each artist, the children explore their life (bio, stories, anecdotes) and how they express their artwork (ways of expression, definition of art, vocabulary, and specific techniques). Children create their works of art inspired by the featured artist and/or a medium or technique.

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Music: In addition to a weekly music class introducing the children to essential music theory, artists, and composition with the rest of their primary class, Kindergarten children all have a weekly piano keyboard class with the school music teacher. They will learn piano keyboard basics in small group classes. This class is designed to teach children where the notes are and how to properly use their fingers to play, practice effectively, and play songs. Students also watch and listen to various piano classics live during class. Their year-long instruction culminates with a group recital during the Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony.

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Library: Kindergartens enjoy weekly visits to the school library for stories, educational and entertaining library programming, and book exchange. The school’s librarian encourages students to become lifelong learners excited to read and research. Students are introduced to a diverse selection of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction and engage in meaningful and fun follow-up activities, such as storytelling, creative drama, reader’s theater, and storytime with older-age student mentors. The librarian connects students with the resources they need for class projects and introduces them to books to enjoy in their free time.