Kindergarten
Readiness Checklist:
 Separate from parents for 2-3
hours
 Independent in completing some
tasks (getting dressed, brushing
teeth, cleaning up…)
 Follow rules & routines
 Speak clearly
 Express self with words
 Take turns & share
 Use manners
 Listen with understanding & follow
1-2 step directions
 Use imagination & pretend play
 Listen to stories
 Recite ABC’s
 Identify letters and some
beginning sounds, write letters
 Draw pictures to communicate
ideas
 Sort by color, size & shape
 Count to 10
 Button, snap, zip, string beads
 Complete a simple puzzle
 Grasp a crayon & pencil correctly
 Use glue and scissors
 Play with play-doh
 Run, skip, hop, play with a ball,
climb on a playground
Important
Dates:
* Kindergarten
Screening
Kindergarten
Information
2016-17 School year
May 12
* Kindergarten
Kick-Off
June 13 –July 7
* Residency Event
August 8, 9
* Bus Orientation
August 17
* Meet the
Teacher
August
* Curriculum Night
September
Spencer Loomis
Elementary School
1 Hubbard Ln.
Hawthorn Wds.
60047
(847) 719-3300
www.lz95.org
Welcome Class
of 2029
K indergarten Curriculum
Kindergarten
Science
AM 8:25-11:10, PM 12:15-2:50
* National Geographic
Literacy
* Reading & Writing Fundamentals
A workshop model is used for literacy
instruction, which include read alouds,
direct instruction mini-lessons, small
group instruction, time for independent
practice, writing about reading,
conferring with the teacher and time for
collaborative conversations. Students will
read and work with a wide variety of
authentic literature and trade books.
Teachers provide direct instruction of
word study as it is developmentally
appropriate for students and in the
context of literacy instruction. Word
Study is based on learning word patterns
rather than memorizing words. Teachers
will use Words Their Way resources to
support a developmental approach to
word study.
We study units on earth, life, and
physical science topics over the course
of the school year. The series offers
a broad range of print and digital
resources as students engage in
science study and inquiry.
Social Studies
This is a time for students to discover
new thinking about the world around
them. We introduce students to
concepts of family and community life
through a variety of resources.
Centers
Jolly Phonics is the program
kindergarten uses to introduce sounds.
Students work independently to
complete a variety of tasks:
computers, word work, writing, math,
reading, art… This is an opportunity for
practice & skill reinforcement. The
teacher is able to differentiate
activities and work with small groups
at this time.
Math
Specials & Extras
* Origo Stepping Stones
This program develops a strong
foundation for number sense.
Students are involved in learning
activities that are hands-on, using real
objects & working together in small
groups to explore new concepts, ideas
and to problem solve.
Kindergarten goes to PE and Library
once a week.
We do not have snack, due to the
short time kindergartners are at
school.
We try to go out for recess when time
allows.
Extended Day Kindergarten
All kindergarten students are screened
prior to the start of the school year.
Through this screening process, we are
able to identify students that may be
below grade level. We are able to offer
these children the opportunity to stay
all day in our Extended Day Kindergarten
program (the lunch-bunch). This program
is taught by one of the kindergarten
teachers, plus an aide. They go to lunch
and recess with the teacher’s aide and
have a short rest time. During the
afternoon time, students receive extra
support in a smaller group setting, they
get more opportunities to practice skills
and instruction and practice is
individualized to the students’ needs. It is
designed as an early intervention, to give
students the “boost” they need to get
them on grade level and ready for first
grade.
Websites:
ABCYa
ABCMouse
Tumblebooks
Apps:
Teach Me Kindergarten
Kindergarten Readiness
For more information:
http://www.lz95.org/departments/curriculu
m/elementary_learner_objectives.aspx