Language Arts Curriculum
The JrK program strives to create an environment which fosters curiosity and the love of reading and writing. Different levels of ability, development, and learning styles are appreciated in JrK. A variety of activities are provided to help develop language and literacy through listening to and reading stories and poems, writing in books, taking field trips, creating experience stories, and participating in dramatic play.
Math Curriculum
The use of concrete materials helps to develop an understanding of and insight into the patterns of mathematics. Some specific math activities include sequencing, counting, sorting, and problem solving.
Science and Social Studies Curriculum
The goal of the science program is to encourage the child to discover, explore, predict, and acquire a respect for the earth and its plants and animals. The science program is a “hands-on” kind of experience using materials in the room and in the environment around St. James.
Social Studies concepts are learned through a variety of projects and activities that include guest speakers, discussions, and field trips. Students will begin to write stories about their experiences.
Art
The goal of the JrK art program is to have each individual feel free to experiment with a wide variety of art materials in a way than can best express his or her feelings. In addition to creative art, students experience the challenges of making artistic creations that require specific directions and the reinforcement of specific skills.
Learning Centers
The JrK classroom is divided into Learning Centers. The children are provided with an opportunity to spend uninterrupted time at self-chosen tasks and activities. The teacher guides children’s involvement in projects and enriches the children’s learning experiences by extending their ideas, responding to their questions, engaging them in conversation, and challenging their thinking.
Motor Development
JrK students attend motor development in the gym twice a week for a period of twenty-five minutes. All classes are conducted by a physical education specialist.
Music
In addition to the music that is part of each day’s classroom activities, the JrK children meet with a music specialist twice a week for fifteen minutes.
The students are developing their musical abilities through singing, playing rhythm instruments, moving to the beat, and creating music.
Computer
Students spend twenty minutes per week in the computer lab with a specialist. An introduction to the computer and basic skills are taught. Students also have access to computers in the classroom with educational and critical thinking software.
Library
Students in JrK visit the school library once a week for twenty-five minutes. In addition to listening to a story read by the Librarian, students are encouraged to check out a book.
Outdoor Play
Thirty minutes a day is scheduled for outdoor play. Outdoor activity is provided daily so children have an opportunity to develop large muscle skills, express themselves freely, and continue growth in cooperative play.
Language Arts Curriculum
The JrK program strives to create an environment which fosters curiosity and the love of reading and writing. Different levels of ability, development, and learning styles are appreciated in JrK. A variety of activities are provided to help develop language and literacy through listening to and reading stories and poems, writing in books, taking field trips, creating experience stories, and participating in dramatic play.
Math Curriculum
The use of concrete materials helps to develop an understanding of and insight into the patterns of mathematics. Some specific math activities include sequencing, counting, sorting, and problem solving.
Science and Social Studies Curriculum
The goal of the science program is to encourage the child to discover, explore, predict, and acquire a respect for the earth and its plants and animals. The science program is a “hands-on” kind of experience using materials in the room and in the environment around St. James.
Social Studies concepts are learned through a variety of projects and activities that include guest speakers, discussions, and field trips. Students will begin to write stories about their experiences.
Art
The goal of the JrK art program is to have each individual feel free to experiment with a wide variety of art materials in a way than can best express his or her feelings. In addition to creative art, students experience the challenges of making artistic creations that require specific directions and the reinforcement of specific skills.
Learning Centers
The JrK classroom is divided into Learning Centers. The children are provided with an opportunity to spend uninterrupted time at self-chosen tasks and activities. The teacher guides children’s involvement in projects and enriches the children’s learning experiences by extending their ideas, responding to their questions, engaging them in conversation, and challenging their thinking.
Motor Development
JrK students attend motor development in the gym twice a week for a period of twenty-five minutes. All classes are conducted by a physical education specialist.
Music
In addition to the music that is part of each day’s classroom activities, the JrK children meet with a music specialist twice a week for fifteen minutes.
The students are developing their musical abilities through singing, playing rhythm instruments, moving to the beat, and creating music.
Computer
Students spend twenty minutes per week in the computer lab with a specialist. An introduction to the computer and basic skills are taught. Students also have access to computers in the classroom with educational and critical thinking software.
Library
Students in JrK visit the school library once a week for twenty-five minutes. In addition to listening to a story read by the Librarian, students are encouraged to check out a book.
Outdoor Play
Thirty minutes a day is scheduled for outdoor play. Outdoor activity is provided daily so children have an opportunity to develop large muscle skills, express themselves freely, and continue growth in cooperative play.