Kindergarten
Kindergarten can be a big transition from preschool, but with the right ingredients it can be smooth and fun. Through song, books, and hands-on activities we learn about the alphabet and their sounds, numbers and counting skills, shapes, colors, printing and pasting, prayers and a whole lot more. The skills that are learned and developed are unique to each child. We strive to help them grow to their fullest potential.
WRITING
In writing, students will learn the proper writing position and basic strokes.
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
Text: Reading Street, Publisher: Scott Foresman
In reading, the series used focuses on pre-reading skills such as phonics, sight words, nouns, verbs, and sequence. Letter and sound recognition are also a main focus through finger plays, role-playing, storytelling, book-making, singing, and writing – the children’s reading and language experiences are strengthened.
SCIENCE
Teacher resources are utilized
In science, students will learn about plants, animals, and the planets, weather and season, our senses, magnets, and health and nutrition. Various experiments are tried throughout the year as well.
MATH
Text: Math, Publisher: MacMillan McGraw-Hill
In math, Kindergartners will be learning number recognition and ordering to one hundred, sorting, patterning, graphing, time, and addition, and subtraction. Manipulatives, games, worksheets, and the overhead projector are used in instruction.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies, the focus is on heroes and holidays: Christopher Columbus, Pilgrims, and Native Americans, Martin Luther King Jr., and the presidents, to name a few. Maps, citizenship, and communities are also discussed.
RELIGION
Text: We Believe, Publisher: Sadlier
The focus of this series is God’s many gifts to us, God our Creator, God’s love for us and God’s Son – Jesus. Modeling the way of Jesus: expressing our feelings appropriately, using good words and actions, praying, treating others the way we want to be treated is also covered. Some stories from the Old Testament are covered, as well as some stories Jesus told from the New Testament. All year long, Kindergarten tries to “walk with Jesus” as we learn his ways. We also attend weekly school mass and learn Bible verses.
ART
Teacher resources are utilized
Kindergarten students will produce a variety of seasonal art projects.
Appreciation for art is fostered.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the gym curriculum.
MUSIC
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the music curriculum.
The Kindergarten program introduces students to music appreciation through singing, dancing, marching, moving to, and listening to different types of music.
COMPUTER
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the computer curriculum.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES
The Kindergarten classroom teacher will use a variety of instructional methodologies including whole group discussions, small group cooperative learning, individual work, and one-on-one support.
Teacher Biography
Mrs. Kathy Wohlgemuth has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from National College of Education in Evanston (now named National Louis University).
She began her teaching career at Wesley Day Care Center in Glenview and also taught at St. Catherine Laboure in Glenview in the third grade and kindergarten rooms respectively.
She left her teaching career to raise her three children all of whom have graduated from Saint Zachary School. She was hired as a Kindergarten teacher at Saint Zachary School in 1998.
Mrs. Wohlgemuth’s hobbies include reading, walking and trying to keep her house clean.
Teacher Biography
Miss Melissa Determann has a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Education with a Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement from the University of Dayton. She holds an Initial Early Childhood Teaching certificate in both Illinois and Ohio. Miss Determann has been at Saint Zachary since 2010.