Kindergarten

Language Arts

The integrated interdisciplinary language arts program for kindergarteners at Browne Academy uses a developmental approach to literacy. Explicit phonics and comprehension skill instruction are balanced with extensive reading of both decodable texts and quality literature. In addition to explicit skills, children experience a wide variety of literary forms and genres in a program that emphasizes reading, writing and learning. The program stresses fluency, comprehension, writing, research and inquiry with the goal of developing students who are truly lifelong learners, writers and readers. Students write daily with the goal of developing writings consistent with their skill level in reading and comprehension. The classroom is a print-rich environment to help reinforce the sound/letter connection and word recognition. Whole class instruction, collaborative learning, small group instruction and individual instruction are used to build skills. Listening, Writing and Inquiry Learning Centers are favorite activities that the students enjoy along with the classroom library. The program is also enriched with the use of computers and Library resources.

Mathematics

The Kindergarten math program is designed to give students opportunities to discover concepts and to apply and to extend skills. The program is individualized to the extent that each child is challenged within the parameters of the concept he or she is studying. Kindergarten-level math emphasizes the development and reinforcement of basic math readiness skills in order to move from the concrete to the transitional and abstract stages of thinking. Students explore numeration and counting numbers, operations and relationships of numbers, position words, patterns and comparisons, measurement and comparison, estimation, and problem solving strategies. Money, time, fractions and geometry concepts are introduced as well. The math curriculum is enriched with the use of integrated computer software.

Science

The science curriculum at Browne Academy is an activity-based, hands-on program. Browne is located on an 11-acre campus, complete with wooded areas and a stream, which are used extensively for environmental education from the earliest preschool years. Science is taught to kindergartners through whole class and small group instruction, discussion and hands-on experimentation. Students are taught to use their five senses to make observations, classify objects and become investigators. Kindergartners learn to identify the first stages of the scientific method; to construct verbal, mental and physical representations of ideas and concepts; and, to describe the relative distance, position and motion of people, animals and objects.

Social Studies

Browne Academy’s kindergarten social studies program is designed to help children discover themselves, the world and the people in it. Students explore the world around them by looking at themselves, their families, their neighborhoods and their communities. Children explore their roles and responsibilities in the world around them. Kindergartners are introduced to basic history and geography. Different cultures are explored, aided by our diverse student body, which represents many religions, races and spoken languages. Students also explore the holidays and traditions in America. Learning centers, field trips, role-playing, videos, and map and globe skills are added to the program. Citizenship and community service are emphasized throughout Browne Academy regardless of age or grade.

Technology

Browne Academy classrooms are equipped with two Pentium class Windows PCs for student use in educational situations. Using Edutainment software and Microsoft Word, students develop basic technology skills and vocabulary. The objectives of the Technology program at this age level are to recognize and locate different keys on the keyboard, to develop the necessary eye-hand coordination required for basic mouse usage, and to create simple documents with Word.

French

The goals of the French program in Kindergarten are to expose the children to another language and culture and to increase their awareness and respect for cultural diversity. French vocabulary is taught through the use of songs, games, stories, books and flash cards. As part of the integrated curriculum at Browne, new vocabulary is often introduced in conjunction with the regular classroom units of study. Both individual and group responses are encouraged during every class. The class also explores aspects of French culture such as music and food.

Art

The art program for Kindergarten focuses on the importance of using their imagination in their artwork. Students will learn to develop personal pride in their artwork and understand that works of art are important. Students will be introduced to line, shape, color, texture, direction and pattern. Students have the opportunity use drawing and painting materials, stamp a print and create a collage and a three-dimensional object.

Music

The overall focus for Kindergarten is on fine-tuning their knowledge of the basic elements of music (rhythm, dynamics, pitch and texture). Our kindergarteners enjoy learning songs with lots of movement and finger play activities. Musical instruments are used for accompaniment. We also explore music and instruments from other countries in our people units on China and Italy.

Physical Education

The Browne Academy physical education curriculum is committed to providing students with a comprehensive, challenging and enjoyable program that will be the foundation of an active, healthy and productive lifestyle. All students are appropriately challenged regardless of their physical and athletic abilities. Good sportsmanship is discussed across all grades and is an expectation of every student.

The kindergarten physical education program emphasizes the ongoing development of core body skills. Gross and fine motor skills develop as age appropriate activities and games are played. Students use a wide variety of equipment to enhance their understanding of their body’s capabilities. Throughout the year, activities involve individual play and group games. Enjoyment of class is paramount as it fosters a healthy outlook toward personal physical fitness, athletic skills and future physical education classes.

Field Trips

To enrich each child’s education beyond the Browne Academy campus, the Kindergarten curriculum includes several field trips each year, such as an excursion to the S. Dillon Ripley Center to expand knowledge of how different cultures celebrate holidays; a trip to Discovery Theater to enhance study of Native Americans; a day at Cox Farms for a study of fall and in celebration of Halloween; and, a trip to the National Zoo to observe the giant pandas as part of our study unit on China.