Kindergarten

RNSK’s kindergarten program is designed to give each child the very best possible foundation for learning. The primary goal is to prepare the children physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

**A Typical Day in Kindergarten**
**Morning Meeting** - Prayer, read aloud, calendar, counting, pledge
**Morning Work** - Writing and literacy
**Library** - Children work on reading and explore and apply new reading strategies
**Snack and Show and Tell** - Snack supplied by RNSK while students practice public speaking amongst peers
**Music and Movement** - 10 minutes of movement and fun!
**Centers** - Children explore at the literacy, writing, science, math, art, dramatic play, play dough or blocks centers.
**Math** - Lessons include working with manipulatives and applying lessons independently through the EnVision Mathematics Program.
**Lunch** - Children eat in the Big Room with our 4’s classes. Lunch is provided by RNSK and served family style.
**Afternoon Special** - Specials include gardening, math, art, science and Bible drama
**Recess** - Gross motor play outside on our beautiful playground or in one of our indoor play areas.
**Mini Lesson** - Literacy, Bible, Science, Social Studies or games
**Snack**
**Read Aloud** with discussion
**Dismissal**

**Parent/Teacher Communication**
A monthly newsletter is sent out by the teacher discussing what has been covered in class for the month.
Bi-annual report cards are distributed.
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year.

LITERATURE RICH ENVIRONMENT

Children learn the letters of the alphabet and their associated sounds through a weekly theme. The activities and lessons of the week revolve around the theme.

A love of literature is nurtured and modeled as children respond to stories through discussion.

Students are introduced to sight words and phonemic awareness through song, reading, writing and games.

Individualized reading and small group instruction is provided in our literature rich environment.

EMOTIONAL READINESS

Children develop a positive self-image and confidence in his/her given abilities.

Ongoing opportunities and learning experiences help each child meet with success.

Socially acceptable ways of handling problems and working in a group setting are emphasized.

SOCIAL READINESS

Children experience participating in and contributing to group interactions, including show and tell.

There is a strong emphasis on good citizenship, respect and responsibility.

PHYSICAL READINESS

Games, songs, stories are part of our physical education, helping to develop auditory and visual perception.

Active play indoors and outdoors using gross motor coordination are a regular part of the day.

Carefully chosen educational materials are used to help develop small muscle coordination.

INTELLECTUAL READINESS

Positive attitudes toward learning are encouraged.

Tasks which require and expand each child’s reasoning and thinking skills are incorporated into the day.

Activities and lessons are planned to incorporate the content areas (math, science, social studies) as part of the child’s functional world.

Reading and writing are taught using a balanced approach. Children have opportunities for involvement with written words in a language-rich environment, which also includes phonics instruction.

Mathematics is taught through a combination of hands on activities and explicit instruction

SPIRITUAL READINESS

At Ridgeway each child finds acceptance and is recognized as an individual perfectly crafted by the hand of God. Our goals are to provide a safe, child-centered environment where the child will learn to grow in their faith and be assured that God loves them and Jesus is their friend and Savior.

Our Bible curriculum is central to our program. We have developed a curriculum with monthly verses, Bible stories that are linked to our themes, a Christian music component, daily devotions, and daily prayer.