List of 11 items.

• Reading/Language Arts

  As students emerge as readers, the kindergarten reading and writing program emphasizes supporting students in their particular developmental reading level. Our approach to teaching reading balances direct phonics instruction while building a foundation for a lifelong love of reading. All kindergarten teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and explicitly teach phonics patterns following a phonics sequence. In addition, we devote time to developing reading comprehension skills while exposing students to a wide range of genres and books. Kindergarten classroom libraries are a mix of decodable books and more interesting picture and chapter books. Using the Writing Workshop model, teachers work with students in group and one-on-one settings to support each student's growth. While learning how to form letters, space words on the page, and write sentences, kindergartners publish their first book. Students are encouraged to tell their stories and to notice the words and rhythms authors use to write stories, returning to their work and adding details such as picture labels and titles, kindergarten writers learn early on that revision is part of the writing process. Students experience a wide range of mentor texts, including fictional stories, informative works, and opinion pieces.

• Math

  Kindergarten students build their number sense, learning how numbers correspond to quantities and learning how to put numbers together and take them apart. The curriculum emphasizes not only procedural skills but also conceptual understanding; students go beyond understanding just the basic computations and develop an enduring understanding of math concepts. Concrete visual models, such as five and ten frames, bead racks, and number lines are used as tools for developing numeracy. Using many different forms of frequent assessment, teachers work with students individually and in small groups to support their growth. Students learn through a balance of games, inquiry, multi-sensory activities, and direct instruction. 

• Social Studies

  The focus of the social studies curriculum, along with Norwood's Value of the Month Program, is on learning to be respectful, secure, responsible, and objective thinkers, and to appreciate and understand our own and others' special and unique qualities. Students learn by exploring how each individual fits into our community, and by cultivating a sense of gratitude and responsibility towards others. Our Racial Literacy Program helps our students to understand how we are all connected, increases their sense of worth, and broadens their perspectives. 

• Project Work

  Our project work challenges and fosters critical thinking, collaboration, communication skills, problem solving, creativity, and resiliency. Teachers encourage, guide, and support students, while facilitating an environment in which children are leading the project and discovering their own unique solutions.

• Science

  Kindergartners approach science class by immersing themselves into the scientific process. Studying units on physics, bubbles, and the environment, they explore the topic through investigation and build skills fundamental to scientific inquiry. In 'bubble-ology', they focus on communicating with their teacher and peers. In physics, they look at data to make conclusions about falling objects and gravity. When exploring the environment, students work in the school garden, observing plant growth. Throughout the process, students learn through hands-on instruction that engages active and curious kindergartners.

• Spanish

  Young children have a natural gift for learning languages and this is why our kindergartners are exposed to Spanish language and culture. The children explore Spanish in a story-based approach through movement, songs and skits. They build vocabulary as they repeatedly hear clear and accurate Spanish, helping them learn proper language patterns. They practice everyday conversational Spanish that is natural and child-centered, and they are encouraged to use the language beyond the classroom. Topics include, but are not limited to, greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family members, emotions, parts of the body, and parts of a house.

• Art

  In the Lower School, the art curriculum enables students to gain confidence, knowledge, experience, and appreciation for a wide variety of art ideas and materials. Throughout their experiences in art class, students are introduced to a sequential program that emphasizes process while exposing them to the elements of art. Media covered include drawing, painting, ceramics, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. As students develop as artists, teachers emphasize the development of personal expression, imagination, curiosity, and careful observation. Students apply these concepts and techniques while making connections, problem-solving, and developing self-confidence and their personal artistic voice.

• Music

  The kindergarten music program is devoted to instilling a joyful sense of music and music-making in every child. The goal is to develop students’ aesthetic sensibilities by increasing musical understanding through activities involving performing, listening, and creating. Kindergartners can look forward to learning a number of appealing and age-appropriate chants and multicultural folk songs that serve as the basis for fun and exploration! Kindergartners play games with these songs, play the rhythm instruments to accompany them, dramatize them, and dance to them. The basics of music literacy are also drawn from these songs. Carefully chosen recordings spark kindergartners’ imaginations, allowing them to express through story and movement. In the fall, kindergartners perform in a very child-friendly Halloween performance for their parents and the lower school community, showcasing the musical fun they are having in the classroom. Kindergarten students also perform a musical show in the spring.

• Physical Education

  In Lower School, students are introduced to basic loco-motor skills and activities that develop hand-eye and hand-foot coordination, spatial awareness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Each year builds on the skills, games, and experiences from the previous year. Going beyond the games and activities, teachers process the experiences with students individually and in groups, asking questions like, “Can a self-win also be a team win?” and “What does it mean to be a good sport?” Lower school students learn the mental and physical foundations that will help them succeed in later experiences. 

• Library & Technology

  During library class, kindergartners are exposed to variations of traditional folktales from all over the world, learning that children from different cultures and countries are more alike than different. They are introduced to technology through the use of iPads, with apps used to strengthen phonological awareness and fine motor skills.  They also learn basic coding using codable robotic devices.

• Life Skills

  As part of our commitment to the whole child, Norwood School’s Life Skills Program introduces students to age-appropriate information about personal and community health and well-being that will help them lead happy, healthy lives and make positive contributions to their community from early childhood through adolescence and beyond. Some of the topics for lower school students include friendships, self-esteem, being inclusive, bullying, conflict resolution, peer pressure, responding to teasing, and Internet safety. At all ages, the program establishes skills and strategies for lifelong well-being and promotes caring for the well-being of others. Throughout the program, teachers emphasize the important role students’ own family members play in guiding goal-setting, problem-solving and decision-making.