Kindergarten Program
About our Kindergarten Program
Our kindergarten program is based on what is outlined as best practice, as seen in the “Play & Exploration: Early Learning Program Guide” and the kindergarten curriculum, as recommended and required by the Ministry of Education.
Whole Child - We believe in educating the ‘whole child’. We see each child as unique and special, created by God. We are honored to care for and nurture students in their initial school experience, supporting children in their individual strengths and abilities.
Physical Development - we provide the opportunity for many gross motor activities indoors and outside, that challenge each child as they grow in strength and ability. We provide ample opportunities to see each child grow in essential fine motor skills as well, learned through exciting games, lessons and activities. Our classroom environment includes many experiential centers, which vary according to the season or the students’ interests.
Spiritual Development - At RCS we provide a Bible program with engaging lessons and developmentally appropriate guidance for learning about how Jesus can be meaningful to each student. Daily devotions and prayer occur each day, often led by students as they become comfortable sharing their needs and requests and talking to God.
Cognitive - We have a large focus on literacy and numeracy with lessons that support outcomes based on the Saskatchewan curriculum for kindergarten. We make learning engaging by providing many hands-on experiences, using manipulatives, leading group lessons, partner work and games. Each student receives individual instruction and support as needed.
Social - We truly value the learning experiences that a loving and secure classroom can bring to the social development of a child. By engaging students in classroom activities and play and exploration, friendships blossom and grow. We believe in the importance of practicing empathy, problem solving skills, as well as love and acceptance of each other. Through this safe environment, we are able to promote particular interactions and foster conversations that encourage the development of their language and social skills.
Communication - We value communication as a foundational piece to connecting students and families with school. Through emails, newsletters, and electronic apps with information for parents, our hope is that families remain connected and aware of classroom activities and learning. We use “Edsby”, an electronic portfolio, to provide a glimpse into the students’ learning process at school. Above all, our goal is to provide transparency in our teaching, classroom environment and events, and the specifics about each child’s progress. We welcome feedback, questions and phone calls to ensure family connection.
A typical day will include:
Carpet/Circle time – This is when we meet as a class to go through daily routines such as devotions, calendar, and weather observations. It is also a time filled with singing, stories, group interaction, reading and pre-reading activities, math skills, science, health, Bible and social concepts. We learn through a variety of methods - singing, stories, fingerplays, role playing and conversation.
Table time – This is where we work on fine motor skills such as printing, colouring, cutting, gluing and create projects that represents the students’ learning.
Center time – This is where the real learning happens. We prepare the environment and try to keep things interesting and appealing so that the students will explore, create, discover and work together to learn … math, reading, science, health, social studies, Bible and much more!
A typical day will have lots of opportunity for interaction, language development and social skills. We learn and rely on the routines and rules and learn the importance of following directions and being good listeners.
There is always lots of fun, smiles, laughter and affirmations as well as hugs, encouragement and love.
The Kindergarten Program is based on the premise that children grow and develop to their fullest potential if given the opportunity to explore, create and problem solve with materials that are appropriate for them.