Junior Kindergarten Program Goals

GOALS OF EASTERN CHRISTIAN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN

FOR 4 ½ AND 5 YEAR OLDS

• Children will become aware that they are children of God and special to Him.
• Children will develop a positive self-concept.
• Children will develop favorable attitudes toward teachers, form friendships and build positive relationships with peers.
• Children will develop independence and learn to assume responsibility for classroom tasks and routines.
• Children will sit attentively and interact in group situations.
• Children will be able to make simple decisions and develop the ability to solve problems.
• Children will be given many opportunities for their development of readiness and motor skills.
• Jr. Kindergarten students are provided with additional Lessons and activities beyond the traditional Preschool curriculum to provide more time for growth and development before Kindergarten.
• Differentiated instruction is provided to meet student's individual needs.
• Enrichment activities are provided in various areas in this five day program.

School Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:35-11:30AM
Lunch Box and Play Programs available until 3:15 PM

CURRICULUM

Bible

Children in the Jr. Kindergarten class learn that they are children of God and that they are special to Him and to others. They know that Jesus is their friend. They realize that the world around them is created by God. They gain knowledge and understanding of Bible stories. Children experience prayer in the classroom and are encouraged to lead in prayer. Bible lessons include Old Testament stories (Creation and Bible heroes) and the life of Jesus (including miracles and parables) in the New Testament and devotions. Children are taught to exhibit characteristics of Christian living.

Social Interaction

Jr. Kindergarten children learn to cooperate with others in a classroom setting. They interact in small groups as well as the class as a whole. They learn to work independently and to assume responsibilities. The students know and follow classroom routines and rules.

Language Development

Jr. Kindergarten students are exposed to a variety of activities to help develop their ability to communicate orally and to comprehend the spoken word Children understand the importance of books and speech. Vocabulary is expanded and attention span is further developed. Children learn to follow directions.

Reading Readiness

Jr. Kindergarten children are immersed in alphabet activities to further letter recognition. They are given activities to help further develop auditory and visual discrimination and an understanding between the written and spoken word. Students understand that words represent thoughts and ideas. Students learn that letters added together form words. Listening skills are further developed and emphasis is given to comprehension and phonemic awareness. Beginning, middle and ending sounds are presented.

Writing

Students continue to learn the transfer of learned symbols into writing. The use of journals helps in their writing development in both expression and fine motor development. Attention is given to correct pencil grasp. Children are encouraged to write the letters of the alphabet, both capital and lower case. Students are introduced to familiar words to enhance love of reading and writing.

Math Readiness

Children in Jr. Kindergarten develop an awareness of numbers and math concepts. They recognize numbers, rote count and can correctly count objects. Number writing and early addition and subtraction activities are introduced.

Science

Jr. Kindergarten students continue to develop an awareness of the wonders of the world God created. The use of science in the Jr. Kindergarten classroom fosters a desire for increased learning of scientific principles within the Christian worldview.

Social Studies

Students are developing a positive self-concept in an atmosphere in which they experience success. They continue to learn about themselves in relation to others, both near and far. This includes their relationships within their families, friends and community. They learn their phone numbers and addresses. They learn the days of the week, names of the months and the names and importance of holidays. As part of social studies, the children are introduced to various Christmas customs around the world.

Music

Students in Jr. Kindergarten have learned to appreciate music as a creative tool. They use music to sing praise to God and worship Him. Music class enhances learning throughout the curriculum.

Art

Children express themselves artistically and creatively. The making of crafts reinforces learning. Children use a variety of media.

Large Motor Development

Jr. Kindergarten children engage in various large motor activities to develop balance, control, rhythm and agility. Activities in physical education are coordinated with other areas of the curriculum.

Fine Motor Development

Jr. Kindergarten students strengthen the muscles needed for writing. Letter formation and neatness in name writing is stressed. Alphabet and number writing is encouraged.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

• Library at Elementary School
• Physical Education Class
• Music Class
• Show and Tell
• Bible Theme
• Church Week
• Holiday Chapels
• Theme Days
• Reading Buddies
• Thanksgiving Feast
• Dad's Pizza Night
• Class Trips
• Conferences
• Grandfriends' Day
• Preschool Picnic
• Camp Sonshine