Love of Learning Starts Here

This is brief understanding of the Kindergarten goals, for a look at the complete curriculum please visit NewLearn Alberta.

1. Early Literacy

The 26 letters of the alphabet, both in lowercase and uppercase.
The basic letter sounds and short vowel sounds.
Reading CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.
Words that rhyme.
Understanding rules of print such as books are read front to back, from top to bottom, words are written/ read from left to right, proper letter formation, and name recognition.
Enjoyment and inspiration from early literacy exposure.
5-10 high frequency words.

3. Early Science

Exploring objects using our 5 senses. Exploring colour, shape, size, texture, temperature, sound, scent, and taste.
Sorting objects by their properties. E.g. sorting by colour.
Exploring how objects, humans, and animals move. E.g. zigzag, straight, circles, back an forth, up and down.
Exploring why humans and animals move. E.g. to escape danger, to play, to find food or shelter.
Exploring and respecting our environment by observing the changes that happen around us, from objects that built, like playgrounds, to natural changes in the season.
Understanding and following instructions to keep us safe, get a job completed, or to have fun.

5. Phys. Ed and Wellness

Experience a variety of physical activity.
How to move our bodies safely in a space.
Movement can be inspired by imagination, music, literature, and nature.
Exploring fair play and how to be respectful and a good friend.
All about me activities.
Exploring feelings and emotions.
Healthy food and where food comes from.
Introduction to Canadian money and what it looks like and what it is used for.

2. Early Numeracy

Counting forwards and backwards within 10. Counting to 10 starting at any number.
Comparing 2 sets of objects using the terms "more, less, same, not enough, enough."
Recognizing basic 2D and 3D shapes
Comparing size using language such as "heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, too big, too small."
Recognizing simple patterns.
Recognizing time as a sequence such as first, next, then, today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

4. Early Social

Exploring traditions and cultures through discussing things like celebrations, holidays, foods, music, activities, or stories.
Exploring wants vs needs. Some people have unique needs such as needing glasses to see better.
Exploring the leaders in our community such as parents, teachers, coaches, and elders. Discussing how leaders act with fairness.
Working in a group and improving communication and cooperation.

6. Art, Music, and Library exposure.

Using art as a form of creative expression and following instructions to make project art.
Exposure to different types of musical instruments, songs, and how music makes us feel.
Exploring our school library, expanding our literacy exposure, and choosing books for enjoyment.

Over the Summer

Many children struggle with starting school, leaving parents, and feeling anxious or unsure. We understand! Ms. Kel-Cie still takes her middle son for a school tour, locker identification, and meet and greet even though he is in High School. Parents often wonder how they can prepare their child for Kindergarten over the summer, here are some great ideas to help your child feel better prepared. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you feel like your child may need additional supports.

Identify the letters in their name and practice printing their name.
Recognizing basic colours and shapes.
Exposure to rhymes through literature (there are some really awesome ones, but just pointing out occasionally when you notice a rhyming word can be helpful, many of my students have LOVED the Name Game by Shirley Ellis).
Reading books with your child nightly.
Play games that require turn-taking or following instructions such as Simon Says.
Count and compare when you can, for example "there are only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 corns left on your plate!" or " Ooo you have 6 crackers and dad has 3, who has more crackers?"
Visit the school playground.
Encouraging independence in the bathroom and for snacks E.g. putting their garbage in the garbage after snack.

Please remember that all children grow, explore, and discover at their own rate. Enjoying childhood is part of the experience of Kindergarten.