Kindergarten Introduction

Our all-day Kindergarten program allows for a very rich, challenging and comprehensive curriculum. There is enough time for not only academic instruction, but also the equally important free play which promotes motor coordination, sharing and socialization.

Staff
Our Kindergarten is staffed by two fully-credentialed teachers and a full-time instructional aide.

Religion
In addition to learning many Bible stories, Saint James Kindergartners learn that God loves them. They learn basic prayers and present a special Kindergarten nativity pageant in December.

Reading
Saint James School uses the phonics-based Scott Foresman Reading Kindergarten series.

Handwriting
The D’Nealian Method of handwriting is taught because it has proven most effective in the later transition to cursive.

Mathematics
Students will recognize and understand the numerals 1 to 20, learn about comparisons, the calendar, the clock, money, measurement, sets, geometric shapes and graphing.

Free Play Time
Children play both indoors and outdoors, promoting motor coordination, imagination, fair play, sharing and sportsmanship.

Science
Students are introduced to plant and animal life through thematic learning activities.

Communication Skills/Drama
All Kindergarteners participate in two formal musical drama productions and in fairy tale dramas in the classroom. They also practice public speaking at the all-school morning assemblies.

Music
In addition to responding to music through movement in the Kindergarten classroom, students also attend formal music classes taught by the choral director in the school’s music room.

Physical Education
Twice a week, under the direction of the school’s full-time P.E. teacher, students attend formal physical education classes either in the school’s gym or on the field. They learn skills in games, team play and gross and fine motor coordination.

Art
To channel creative expression, children paint, draw and construct using line, color and form. Kindergartners are also introduced to the comprehensive Fine Arts program conducted by the school’s art teacher and parent docents. It teaches the children about artists, their work and art history as they produce hands-on art projects.

Library Time
To cultivate a love of reading, Kindergarteners are introduced to the library through weekly story-time sessions with the school’s librarian. Children also check out and bring home books from the school library.

Eighth Grade Buddy Program
Each Kindergartner is assigned an Eighth grade buddy. This popular program offers support to our “little ones” as they get to know and trust an older student while building a school-wide sense of community. Activities include pumpkin carving, a teddy bear picnic, and an Easter egg hunt.