Small Steps, Big Discoveries: Inside Oakhill’s Kindergarten Experience

Kindergarten graduates grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, leaders, public speakers, and critical thinkers throughout their kindergarten journey. From working on counting to 20 in September to adding double digits in May. From attending the first class in the Science Lab to hiking the nature trails at the Lakeside Nature Center field trip in May. From reciting Nursery Rhymes in September to singing their hearts out at Graduation, there are many special kindergarten memories made at Oakhill and oh, how they grow! Kindergarten at Oakhill is like no other! 

Kindergarten is a huge year of growth in many areas, especially in the areas of literacy. Students continue to build their handwriting skills through a multi-sensory approach. Practicing the correct pathways of movement sets students up for the introduction of cursive in 2nd grade! Dedicated writing time is built into the kindergarten schedule daily. Kindergarten writers write personal narratives, such as their Weekend News entries, poems, lists, and nonfiction reports. Students also grow their letter-sound relationships throughout the year by gaining confidence in stretching, blending, and segmenting. Kindergarteners are also introduced to 100 high frequency words that are commonly included in early reader and decodable books. Children begin to use their sight word vocabulary and their decoding skills to read books at their level with guided instruction. It is amazing to see students who are working to solidify their alphabet knowledge grow into readers and writers throughout the year!

Math in kindergarten includes a hands-on approach. The students discover math concepts using a variety of manipulatives and math tools. Games are often used to introduce and reinforce concepts. Students continue to hone their problem solving skills and make mathematical discoveries through this approach. It is amazing to see kindergarten mathematicians who were working to form numbers in August be able to add double digits, write to 100 and beyond, and use math tools confidently by the end of the year!

An important part of academic instruction in kindergarten is centered on the thematic learning approach. Thematic teaching allows teachers to create learning opportunities for students that center around an engaging topic, while also integrating many disciplines and incorporating curricular benchmarks. Students are able to make stronger connections and anchor their learning when engaging in hands-on activities, problem-solving, and creativity. Kindergarten themes are also woven into the specials classes, where children have even more opportunities to make connections. Thematic learning units and themed days happen all throughout the school year. Learning is rooted in these experiences and the memories stay with the heart! Our older students dearly remember observing corn growing in the living lab or tasting the many products they discover are made with corn. They recall their first Scarecrow Day parade, and even having a Teddy Bear Picnic. Academic connections are purposefully implemented throughout the day, anchoring learning with hands-on opportunities and strengthening connections in reading, writing, math and science, building on the thematic approach from Early Childhood, while also guiding students to even further growth.

Soon all of the year’s growth and learning leads to Graduation Day. Students will continue to be known, challenged, and valued; ready for their journey ahead and what the future holds in first grade. We truly do get to see them grow up as they continue their path at Oakhill, becoming incredible public speakers, academic achievers, leaders, and confident students. We are excited to partner with you throughout the kindergarten journey.