THEMATIC APPROACH
Five year old thinking is interdisciplinary. Children do not separate their explorations into subject areas. A thematic approach to curriculum supports children's natural way of learning. The kindergarten curriculum will be based on a broad yearly theme that will be mutually agreed upon by kindergarten staff. Themes, such as: patterns, change, movement, communication, similarities and differences or color might be considered. These broad themes can be explored through more specific units of study such as life-cycles, transportation and the family. This allows for teacher and student choice within each grouping.
Integrated Curriculum Beliefs
1. An integrated approach to curriculum recognizes that content areas in instruction are naturally interrelated as they are in real life experiences.
2. Optimal learning occurs when experiences are personally relevant to the child.
3. An integrated curriculum emphasizes the importance of learning as an interactive process rather than the mere acquisition of facts.
4. An integrated curriculum is consistent with [constructivist point of view] our understanding that children construct their own knowledge.
5. This approach to curriculum promotes the transfer of knowledge by enabling students to reflect on experiences and form associations.
An integrated approach to curriculum recognizes that content areas in instruction are naturally interrelated as they are in real life experiences. Optimal learning occurs when experiences are personally relevant to the child. An integrated curriculum emphasizes the importance of learning as a process rather than mere acquisition of facts. An integrated curriculum is consistent with our understanding that children construct their own knowledge. This approach to curriculum promotes the transfer of knowledge by enabling students to reflect on experiences and form associations.
Throughout the year various themes will be explored as part of our integrated curriculum including:
The Four Seasons The Five Senses We Are All Alike, We are All Different
Community Helpers Holidays Around the World Animals Dental Health
Healthy Habits Nutrition Dinosaurs Habitats Earth and Sky