Kindergarten

The Bible curriculum, Learning About God, teaches children about God through the lives of major characters in the Bible.  The primary goal of the elementary Bible curriculum is to make the word of God more meaningful in the lives of children.  Strong emphasis is placed on character development with practical lessons that enable children to make life-changing decisions, even at a young age. Each morning begins with prayer and devotion time, and students attend an age-appropriate Chapel on a weekly basis.

The Into Reading by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt curriculum used in kindergarten is organized into several components: Leveled Readers, Trade and Big Books, Decodable Readers, Phonics and Word Study, and English/Language Arts and Assessments. These areas provide learning opportunities for children at all readiness levels. The curriculum is enhanced with other age-appropriate books and educational activities.  Children who are reading independently may choose to participate in the Accelerated Reader program. 

Each day the children participate in small group learning centers. Curriculum goals are reinforced and teachers are able to focus on the individual needs of the students. 

The Into Math by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt program is used in kindergarten. This program challenges the children in the areas of reasoning and problem-solving. There are many opportunities through technology to engage the student in learning at home and school. A variety of hands-on materials are also used in kindergarten math instruction.

Social Studies and Science are integrated into thematic units throughout the year and are often seasonal in nature. The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Social Studies curriculum is designed to extend the literacy curriculum, and is used to supplement the Social Studies units. 

Kindergarten classes use Promethean Active Boards in all areas of the curriculum to enhance learning through the use of interactive websites and flip charts.  iPads are also integrated into the kindergarten instructional process through group centers and individual practice.

The Zaner-Bloser handwriting series is used at the kindergarten level.  Children are taught the basic strokes and letter forms of manuscript writing. Numerous writing-readiness activities supplement the letter writing process. Kindergarten students learn the writing process beginning with writing individual letters and progressing to writing complex sentences. Many writing opportunities are available for the children to practice writing skills on a daily basis.

Art exploration is an integral part of the kindergarten curriculum on a daily basis.  It is often teacher-directed, but children are also encouraged to explore different techniques and medium as a means of self-expression. The children also participate in a weekly elementary Art class.

The children visit the Library/Media Center as a class weekly and individually to check out books and participate in literacy and library skill lessons.

In music classes, the children are exposed to a variety of musical experiences including singing, creative movement, and instrumental and music literature exploration.  Music is also an important component of the kindergarten classroom, and is used throughout the day to reinforce learning in all areas.  

Physical Education classes enable the children to explore a wide range of large and small motor skills.  Children also have regular periods of free play on the playground throughout the week.

Children are introduced to basic Spanish vocabulary and culture during their weekly elementary Spanish class.

A child entering kindergarten should be able to:

• Follow simple verbal directions and understand classroom rules
• Stay on task for a reasonable length of time
• Recognize his/her name
• Print his/her first name
• Know basic colors
• Recognize basic shapes
• Recognize most of the letters in the alphabet
• Count to 10 and begin to recognize numbers 0-10
• Eat independently
• Manage restroom procedures 

A child entering kindergarten should begin to be able to:

• Zip, snap and button articles of clothing as well as tie shoes

• Cut on a line with scissors
• Hold a pencil and other writing utensils correctly
• A great deal of time is spent mastering these basic skills during the year.

Kindergarten classes participate in several educational field trips and special events during the year. Field trips to the Nashville Children’s Theatre and "The Clay Lady" provide opportunities to attend a play and explore and create with a new art medium. An on-campus visit from Mr. Bond and the Science Guys presents an exciting hands-on experience. 

Kindergarten students engage in various special events on campus. On Hibernation Day, the children prepare for the winter by “putting their bears to bed” along with other hibernation activities. Students enjoy a special day in December by creating an ornament. Nutrition Jamboree offers kindergarten students the opportunity to sample healthy foods from each food group at the end of their study. Students participate in Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day by honoring those they love when they visit DCA’s campus. Service projects are also encouraged for kindergarten students. Our classes participate in the school’s Canned Food Drive to help provide food for families in need. A Christmas service project helps young children understand the true meaning of Christmas. Kindergarten students enjoy participating in the annual spring events, such as: Field Day and Celebration of the Arts.