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Kindergarten
5 - 6 years old
The third year of the Early Childhood Program is a culmination of the skills and growth which have taken place within the child from the first two years and the evolution of leadership developed during this final year. This final year (Kindergarten), a vital component of the Early Childhood Program, is key to a positive and well prepared transition to the elementary level.
Exploring extensions of the activities in the classroom are encouraged, leading to the development of critical thinking skills, self-direction, cooperative learning, time management, and leadership. Participating in small and large group projects provide opportunities to better develop cooperative work skills and leadership.
Third Year (Kindergärtners), become leaders not only in their 3 – 6 year classrooms, but for all of their younger peers in school. They may take responsibilities such as reading to children in Toddler classrooms, assist teachers with organizing projects, participate in community volunteer work, and other various activities leading to confidence and a positive self-esteem. These are truly valuable life lessons.
GMS encourages parent participation with our program. Chaperoning field trips, sharing a skill or expertise with the group or assisting the children in projects and events are all ways parents can support the children and program.
Finally, periodic meetings between teachers and parents are held outlining curriculum and agendas throughout the year. Report Cards are issued three times a year keeping families informed of their child’s progress. With this strong support and guidance, the children are prepared for their next journey.
The purpose of the KIT Program is to introduce technology to the Kindergarten students, and to develop their typing and mouse skills with computers and touch screen navigation with iPads. Students work in both age and developmentally appropriate educational applications reflecting a Montessori standard. Activities consist of independent study, as well as, collaboration with classmates. The programs selected are used in conjunction with the Montessori curriculum and materials. Children are placed in small groups by skill levels and progress at their own pace. KIT meets once a week and is instructed by Ms. Laura, who holds a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). Included in the KIT Program curriculum is the history of computers, an introduction to different types of technology and their parts, navigating through programs and applying prior knowledge in a technical format. Applications used introduce students to new concepts such as problem solving with fine motor manipulation using a touch screen, computer programming, and digital storytelling, as well as, enhancing lessons in science, geography, currency, time, sentence structure, and math.
Kindergarten Informational Technology (KIT)
