Private school kindergarten curriculum: The Kindergarten Classroom and Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Components

The college preparatory curriculum of Woodland Hills Private School is designed to nurture and encourage emotional and social growth, while building academic and cognitive awareness and strength.  Our program incorporates all aspects of human development – social, intellectual, physical, artistic and moral – and strives to integrate learning by guiding students to be curious about and develop an appreciation of all that the world has to offer.

The course of study involves an inquiry-based process of learning and is concerned with the development of the whole child and the preservation of each student’s unique strengths and interests. In addition to the enriched academic program, the curriculum supports the development of self-confidence and self-assurance, cooperative learning skills, community awareness and involvement, leadership skills, and the application of cognitive skills to real life situations.

Elementary classes have an average 12:1 student-teacher ratio. This enables us to provide individualized attention, challenge and support support to students while also creating the perfect size social group. Our team teaching model also enables us to run innovative developmental programs, such as the Balanced Literacy model pioneered at Columbia University Teachers College. Instruction is individualized to help children progress along a learning continuum, or progression of skills. The combination of our team teaching model, 12:1 student to teacher ratio, and developmental curriculum makes Woodland Hills Private School a school where all children succeed!

All areas of the curriculum areas meet or exceed the California State Frameworks and the National Education Standards.

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 Language Arts

We utilize the Balanced Literacy approach that was developed at Columbia University Teachers College. Balanced Literacy recognizes that a “one size fits all” curriculum does not meet the needs of all students, particularly children with an advanced or gifted learning profile. 

When you walk into a Woodland Hills Private School classroom at any given moment, you’ll see instruction that is designed to:

• Meet children’s individual learning needs.
• Explicitly teach strategies students will use not only the day they are taught, but can continually apply in the future.
• Support small-group work and 1:1 conferring, with multiple opportunities for personalized instruction.
• Tap into the power of a learning community as a way to bring all learners along.
• Build choice and assessment-based learning into the design of the curriculum.
• Help students work with high levels of engagement so that teachers are able to coach individuals and lead small groups.

Reading

Begins with familiar words and sounds and teacher-directed activities, then moves on to stories that are diverse and challenging. Instruction is done with small groups of students who are on the same level and includes a wide range of activities to promote phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension skills, communication skills, and critical thinking.

In this approach, children are exposed to reading authentic literature (real books/authors) in a wide variety on genres. Reading and writing go hand in hand, as students are immersed in the tools great authors use and taught to apply these tools in their writing. Learn more about our approach to phonics instruction.

Writing

Writing is taught through a workshop approach. Children are exposed to a wide variety of genres (Opinion, Argument, Informational and Narrative). The writing program includes daily lessons and writing experiences to help students become proficient at expressing themselves through in all kinds of writing and learn to appreciate and critique the writing of others. Each unit of study concludes with a publishing celebration in which parents, friends and family are invited to come hear and celebrate the students’ published work. 

Oral Language

Expressing ideas in a logical manner, discussing options, utilizing an expanding vocabulary, exploring new meanings, evaluating and responding, negotiating, and promoting common ground solutions lead to strong verbal skills for our students. Oral language exercises involve both formal and informal discussions, public speaking, role playing, leadership training, and decision making.

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Math

We utilize the Singapore math curriculum and methodology, which is focused on mastery and critical thinking, over rote practice. One of the key features of the approach is the emphasis on a CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) progression. 

Each new skill is introduced with hands-on manipulatives or real life objects to help students develop a clear and accurate understanding. Before moving to the abstract concept (algorithm), Singapore Math introduces a pictorial representation, often referred to as the model approach or bar models. This interim visual step is typically missing from many curricula used in the U.S. Finally, once students demonstrate strong conceptual understanding, they are able to use the abstract (algorithm) approach. Instead of pushing through rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lessons. 

The curriculum is individualized based on students’ learning levels, allowing advanced and gifted learners increased challenge and depth as well as acceleration. 

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Science

The best way to learn science is by doing science. Our science program is rooted in hands-on investigation, comparison, organization, inference, and application (scientific inquiry/scientific method).  The goals of the science curriculum include the attainment of rational and creative thinking processes, attainment of scientific knowledge, understanding the scientific process, using scientific tools and instruments, academic discourse and communication, and. ..having fun! 

Topics investigated in our program include:

Biological & Life Science – The study of plants, animals, human beings, ecosystems, and cells. These topics are explored in our unique Animal & Nature Studies program at the on-site Science & Nature Center (A.K.A. Our Barnyard). Topics addressed include:

• Ecology
• Animal Care & Husbandry
• Animal Behavior
• Evolution & Genetics

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Social Studies

The Social Studies discipline includes history, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and the humanities. The curriculum is designed to help students understand what’s going on in the world today through many different lenses. 

Leadership Committees – Instead of Student Council (only a few students serve as leaders) we use a Student Leadership Committee model (every student can be a leader in an area of passion). All Upper Elementary (2nd-5th grade) students participate on a leadership committee.

Democratic Understanding & Civic Values – By studying the pluralistic, multi-cultural nature of our society and our nation’s constitutional heritage, students begin the process of becoming responsible citizens.

Skills Attainment & Social Participation – By working in a group while maintaining their own individual ideas, students learn to define and clarify issues. The curriculum and inquiry-based approach teaches children to gather information, confirm its validity, reach reasoned conclusions based on evidence, and develop sound judgement.

Agree & Disagree Respectfully “Accountable Talk” – Because the program is rooted in the understanding that children learn best through social interaction, much emphasis is placed on teaching children strategies and protocols for respectful discourse. Students practice a variety of strategies for active listening as well as sharing opinions that they can back up with facts.  

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Music

We believe that music and movement – to speak, sing and play, to listen and understand, to move and create – should be an active and joyful experience. At the same time, we are committed to developing musical skills and music appreciation in our students. The music education program includes choral and instrumental music as well as several musical performances throughout the year. 

TK-2nd grade is a choral music program. Topics students learn about in our music program include:

• Pattern, rhythm, pitch
• Playing musical percussive instruments
• Creating movement to demonstrate tempo, feeling, and steady beat
• Reading, writing performing simple rhythmic notation patterns in music
• Finding their singing voice and singing on pitch
• Experiencing a wide variety of locomotor movements and create expressive ranges of movement and sound
• Distinguishing a variety of instruments and have an understanding of music families
• Learning cultural dances that are danced by children all over the world in their native countries
• Concepts such as loud v. soft, fast v. slow, steady beat, singing v. chanting
• AB form in music, introduction/verse/chorus, and rhythmic notation patterns
• Identifying musical patterns
• Exploring musical composition

3rd-5th grade is an instrumental music program. Each year, students learn to play a different instrument.

• 3rd grade – Recorders
• 4th grade – Tone Chimes
• 5th Grade – Ukuleles and/or Keyboards

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Fine Arts

Art class takes place in the Art Studio. Students learn about: Aesthetics, Art Criticism, Art History and participate in Studio Production. Mediums include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and fibers. 

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Physical Education

Students participate in warm up exercises to build strength and stamina, and engage in games to develop balance, agility, and coordination. We work on building skills for team sports including basketball and soccer.  Students develop cooperation and sportsmanship by participating with partners, in groups and on teams. They learn to give positive feedback and support by using verbal and nonverbal communication. We emphasize respect for themselves, others and the equipment during physical activity. Students are encouraged to develop positive habits and attitudes toward healthy living, hygiene and nutrition.  

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Spanish

Our Spanish program is designed to help students develop a strong foundation with Spanish language and cultures. Through songs, activities, visual media, and interactive notebooks (in Upper Elementary), students become conversational in Spanish. The Spanish program culminates with a novel study in 5th grade.

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Technology & Robotics

Technology is integrated across the curriculum, and our 4th and 5th graders are assigned their own mobile device each year that they will use for Google Docs, VEX IQ Robotics and various projects throughout the year. All students have specialized technology instruction in the Tech Lab. The space includes two 3D printers, our VEX IQ Robotics program, and mobile devices. Our curriculum follows the most recent (2016) International Society for Technology in Education Standards. Visit our Tech Lab website for more information. 

In some schools, robotics is an after-school club for some kids. We believe coding and robotics is non-negotiable, and we strive to provide the strongest foundation for all students. Coding is introduced in a developmentally appropriate way (through games and activities) as early as TK. 4th and 5th graders participate in the VEX IQ Robotics and Coding curriculum. Students work with partners to build robots and code them to take on increasingly complex tasks and even participate in competitions. 

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The Kindergarten Classroom and Curriculum

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Five-Year-Olds Achieving Above and Beyond!

What a thrill it is when your five-year-old wants to read to you! Your kindergartener may want to explain how a simple machine works or how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. Find out how your child prepares to be a successful, well-rounded individual ready for the world.

Comfort & Confidence

The curriculum, teachers and school administrators are all top notch. To top it off, their COVID protocols are thorough, and we are extremely comfortable with the safety of the learning environment.

—Dan, a Primrose Parent

Excited to Learn

Our daughter is thriving. She loves going to school every day and coming home to tell us what she has learned. Her reading, writing, math skills, and even Spanish speaking (which she had none previously) have all shown drastic improvement this school year.

—Jordan, a Primrose Parent

Quality Learning & Care

We have been so impressed with the level of learning, as well as all COVID safety procedures that are in place. We are so thankful for Primrose taking such good care of all of the children!

—Meredith, a Primrose Parent

Where Children and Parents Feel Confident

A strong kindergarten experience helps prepare your child for success in elementary school. And at Primrose, we believe creating this quality foundation begins by building an environment committed to health, safety, and supporting families.

Primrose prioritizes health & safety with small group lessons that reduce exposure risks while also offering more individual attention, and schools have enhanced the already-strict health & safety procedures to meet or exceed all local and state guidelines. To further support families, Primrose schools offer rolling admissions so your child can join a class at any time, and extended hours help busy parents avoid the need for supplemental care. Schools also send daily app notifications and emails to connect parents and teachers while giving you a glimpse into all the fun your child is having. ​

Curriculum

Early Learning Domains

Approaches to Learning

Each child learns in different ways. The Primrose Balanced
Learning^® approach provides teachers with the tools and guidance
to accommodate children’s natural curiosity and to fully support each child while
building problem solving skills and confidence.

Science & Engineering

Children are natural scientists. They use their senses and special technological tools to
observe and investigate their world, recording and analyzing their findings through
writing, drawing or taking photos.

Language & Literacy

The early years are critical for literacy development. From sign language and story time
in younger classrooms, to phonics and eventually reading and writing in our older ones,
your child develops important literacy skills and a love of reading.

Creative Arts

Visual and creative arts stimulate imagination and creative thinking. In our
proprietary Primrose Early Art Masters® program, children discover early and
contemporary artists and practice their techniques in their own masterpieces.

Social Studies

Our social studies domain helps children understand themselves and their relationships
with family and friends. They learn how they are alike or different from their friends
and how, as individuals, they can contribute to society.

Physical Development

Active children become active adults. We show your child fun ways to practice proper
techniques for movement, balance and motor skills with plenty of time to slide, climb
and run on our age-appropriate playgrounds.

Math

Early experiences with math help children develop reasoning skills, inventiveness and
persistence in problem solving. Our math program introduces numbers, measurement and
patterns through hands-on learning.

Social & Emotional

Research shows social-emotional intelligence is one of the best predictors of future
success. Our Balanced Learning® approach weaves character development and life skills
into daily experiences so children can learn behavioral and relationship skills.

We’re proud of our kindergartners—96% of our 2020–2021 class showed first grade readiness by meeting or exceeding early literacy and math standards!

Our Kindergarten program nurtures

Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy
Hearts^®

In our Kindergarten program, your child builds upon previous learning, including emergent reading, writing and math skills within small group instruction. Here are some of the engaging programs and activities that promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive, creative and character development, so your child is prepared to take on elementary school and beyond.

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Location:

All Locations

Learn more about our programs.

Infant

Toddler

Early Preschool

Preschool Pathways

Preschool

Pre-Kindergarten

Go & Grow^™ Part-Time

Kindergarten

After School

Summer Adventure Club

Scarlet Sails Private School | Moscow North-East Administrative District

Main priorities in education:

• Implementation of the state educational program of elementary school “School of Russia”
• In-depth study of English as the main foreign language from grade 1 – student success is confirmed by international certificates
• Project and research activities of students
• Highly qualified teachers

Dear parents!

A good primary school is, in fact, one of the main stages in a child’s education. It is at this stage of obtaining secondary education that the foundations of knowledge are laid in children, skills and abilities for learning are developed, and logical thinking develops. Giving children to the first grade, parents need to be very careful. As practice shows, the foundations laid down in elementary school largely determine the further development of the child.

Cozy environment and calm atmosphere, created by our teachers, dispose students to successful motivated studies. We always find an approach to each child.

Private school “Scarlet Sails” – these are classrooms with games rooms, locker rooms with spacious wardrobes. First class has a lounge. Walking and sports grounds are equipped on a large green area.

Much attention is paid to the teaching staff. All teachers of the school have a higher pedagogical education, constantly improve their skills, and own modern technical teaching aids.
English is in the schedule every day. Twice a week – practical classes with a native speaker.

– Education of children of preschool, primary and secondary school age “Scarlet Sails” combines two educational institutions for preschoolers and primary schoolchildren, providing classical education.

Preschool education for children is a solid foundation for a child’s education. It helps children who attend kindergarten to better adapt and get used to the child’s requirements of school teachers, to understand “what is required of him.” As a result, the child becomes a diligent student who tries to keep up in all subjects and strives for knowledge. This proven form of education has become commonplace in schools seeking to minimize the stress factor of transitioning from kindergarten to elementary school.

• We work under the program “Private school-kindergarten”, , which means we work with children of the smallest age.
• The school works full time – from 8. 00 to 19.00 five days a week.
• During the holidays we offer a creative and educational program. The stay of children during the holidays is included in the price of the contract.
• Soft adaptation to school. Children attending kindergarten will not experience a lot of stress that their cozy kindergarten with caring teachers will be replaced by a school with strict rules and many teachers
• Small classes (up to 10 children)
• Caring, attentive, individual approach to each student
• Calm, friendly, homely atmosphere
• Textbooks and manuals on the latest methodological developments
• Well equipped classrooms
• Permanent medical supervision of a doctor
• Lessons with a psychologist and a speech therapist
• Teaching “live” English from grade 1. (Second foreign language – from grade 5)
• Tasty, healthy meals four times a day with the possibility of coordinating the menu for medical reasons
• Full board possible with 5 days stay
• A wide range of continuing education
• Classical education based on unique programs that comply with the Federal State Educational Standards “School of Russia”

The tasks of a private school are to educate a harmonious personality in such a way that the educational process becomes an active assistant. The system “private school-kindergarten” helps the child to start his education at an early age and prepare the child for school.

“Private Kindergarten” – is an opportunity for your child to get the best education from the earliest years. Kindergarten is the “first school” that your child starts attending.

We know how to make children run to school with pleasure and study with interest!

0th grade in preschool institutions

Private Kindergartens of the Academic Gymnasium has been successfully preparing children for entering the best lyceums and gymnasiums in Moscow for many years.

In addition to the preparatory group for children aged 5-7, Zero classes of the gymnasium have been created. Training in the classroom is carried out with a small group of children in terms of quantitative composition, with the determination of the mandatory minimum and maximum program material that each child can learn, taking into account his age and individual capabilities.

Here, special conditions have been created for children (classrooms, separate playrooms) and a specially developed educational program that allows future gymnasium students to easily adapt to the conditions of the Primary School with in-depth study of the English language, an expanded set of subject disciplines studied and increased requirements for the level of preparedness of children.

Zero grade pupils during the year:

• are engaged in the development of cognitive processes;
• learn to read, write and count;
• join creative educational work;
• master the basics of school subjects of the 1st grade of the Primary School;
• master the skills of learning English: dialogue communication, listening, writing, singing English songs using the Cambridge publishing house;
• draw, construct, sculpt, dance and sing, learn to demonstrate their skills in front of an adult audience;
• confidently and willingly communicate with peers and adults;
• actively exercise, swim in the pool;
• learn self-service, get used to the school premises, to classes in the classroom under the guidance of a teacher of the Primary School.

The mission of the Zero Grade of the Gymnasium is a full-fledged preparation for entering school, the formation of a positive attitude and learning habits, the disclosure of the child’s individuality and the development of his abilities. Creation of the necessary conditions for the formation of constructive friendly relations teacher-student, student-student, student-parents and teacher-parents.

One of the most important tasks of education and training in kindergarten is comprehensive development, the formation of various abilities and preparation for school, taking into account age and mental characteristics.

Especially for the Zero Grade, the pedagogical team, the psychological, speech therapy and medical services have developed an integrated program that meets modern requirements to prepare the child for education at the Primary Gymnasium. The program is focused on the implementation of the request of parents, on quality education and the cognitive needs of children. P The program is accredited by the Department of Education of Moscow and the Ministry of Education of the Moscow Region.

Education in the Zero grade ensures the continuity of the educational and upbringing process: Kindergarten-First grade, continuity of teaching methods and methods, rules of conduct, the possibility of continuing to receive education according to the educational programs of the educational complex – Private school “Academic Gymnasium” and other educational institutions that implement gymnasium component.

The curriculum of the Grade Zero of the progymnasium is drawn up in accordance with the Federal State Requirements approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

• Teachers with experience in preparing children for education in Primary Gymnasium.
• Part of the classes are taught by elementary school teachers in the premises of the primary gymnasium, children of the Zero grades, together with students of the 1st grade of the Primary gymnasium, participate in competitions, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, including performances in English, mutual visits and free communication of schoolchildren and pupils are held Zero classes.
• Compulsory study of logic and rhetoric has been introduced under the guidance of specialists from the psychological and speech therapy service.
• An extended linguistic course is being implemented, including the development of propaedeutic knowledge on the development of speech in both native and foreign languages, teaching reading and writing using developmental methods, the active use of speech therapy subroutines, as well as communicative methods of teaching a foreign language.
• An in-depth study of the English language is implemented according to a program that involves the formation of students’ skills and abilities in speaking, listening, and interpreting skills on 10 topics of the course. To achieve these goals, an original methodology developed in the UK is used. It involves the gradual immersion of children in the language environment, followed by fluency in vocabulary, grammar and stylistic tools.
• Diagnostics of the effectiveness of teaching English on tests and materials of the Cambridge Examination Council.
• The educational process is focused on the disclosure of the individual abilities of each child by means of the active implementation of the activity method Ph.D. L.G. Peterson (Private School Academic Gymnasium is the base platform of the Department of the Academy for Advanced Studies of the Russian Federation under the guidance of Dr. L.G. Peterson).
• High-quality mastering of the course of developing mathematics under the program of L.G. Peterson. The course as a whole is focused on the personal development of the child, forms the style of thinking necessary for mastering knowledge, develops logic, and is associated with practice. It allows students to master the specific mathematical knowledge necessary for application in practical activities to study mathematics in elementary school. Provides the formation of the skill of beautiful writing of numbers, the use of a ruler, compasses, mastering the basic mathematical terminology for grade 1. In addition, this course stimulates the intellectual development of children, the formation of the qualities of thinking and intellectual abilities necessary for learning and everyday life, and also forms the methods of mental activity: analysis and synthesis, comparison, classification, abstraction and generalization.
• All conditions have been created for the comprehensive development of children, a variety of special courses have been provided: clay modeling, design and modeling, appliqué and painting, singing and staging, puppet theater in English.
• Practice-oriented project activities of students are conducted in accordance with the requirements of international education, for educational purposes information and computer technology tools are used, including work with interactive whiteboards, educational content of Internet resources and the media library of the Educational Institution, which includes: private kindergartens and private schools of the Academic Gymnasium.

Taking into account the social order of parents and at the same time solving the tasks of the Zero class, the curriculum includes: English (5 lessons per week, dividing the group into 2 subgroups ) . Training in the classroom is carried out with a small group of children in terms of quantitative composition, with the determination of the mandatory minimum and maximum program material that each child can learn, taking into account his age and individual capabilities. It is assumed that training in the zone of proximal development is individual for each pupil, advancing training and development.

In order to avoid educational overload for children of the Zero grades, the following were introduced into the curriculum:

• physical education lesson (2 times a week)
• water aerobics with sauna (2 times a week)
• choreography
• music-rhythm class (2 times a week)
• 2 walks for 1.5-2 hours daily, including cognitive conversations, excursions in the forest area of ​​the kindergarten, nature observation, creative activities
• sleep hour (daily)
• daily free play activities

The structure of the curriculum of the Preschool Gymnasium includes invariant part , which identifies educational components that ensure the formation of personal qualities of preschoolers, their universal, including creative abilities to a level corresponding to the child’s age capabilities, health preservation and promotion.