The Syracuse Hebrew Day School Kindergarten is a full day (10-3) program with a very rich and varied curriculum. Our Kindergarten adjusts its focus to the different developmental needs of the children who enter, ranging from those with scant readiness to those possessing a more sophisticated and mature set of skills. Our small school setting allows our youngest students to develop self-confidence and become comfortable with their surroundings. We are like a family: all the staff and children know one another.
Our afternoon Jewish Studies program adds a special dimension, teaching the children prayers, Bible stories, holiday observances, the Hebrew alphabet and developing early language skills, vocabulary and a positive attitude toward Judaism.
The Kindergarten program includes physical education, art, library, computers, music, field trips and special classroom visitors. Each day the class has recess outside to enjoy seasonal delights, a beautiful playground, and sledding in the winter. Then they eat lunch together in the classroom, in a relaxed and supervised atmosphere, which promotes social exchange and encourages good eating habits.
Reading readiness is part of our total Kindergarten program. We have a highly individualized formal reading program, which gives children a strong start into first grade reading. Our program also allows the child who enters Kindergarten with beginning reading skills to work on first grade reading skills within the Kindergarten program. The Kindergarten reading series provides a good concentration of consonant letter recognition and sound development and also allows for excellent growth in the fine motor area with maximum practice in handwriting skills.
Our reading series enhances the love of reading through its literature-based focus. Stories, poems, nursery rhymes and vocabulary are woven into the program along with the skill building. Our whole language integration includes the making of books, charts and early creative writing experiences and phonetic spelling. Also included in our day is the D'Nealian Handwriting program; the attractive D'Nealian manuscript letter formation is the beginning preparation for cursive writing.
Our language arts program is an integral part of our overall program. The Kindergarten develops a repertoire of poems that they present at the annual end'of-the-year program for parents. Literature, dramatics, puppets and creative writing stimulate speaking, writing and listening skills. Many presentations during the year enable the children to feel comfortable in front of an audience. 'The mid-year Kindergarten assembly presentation focuses on a science or social studies unit in exciting detail. Scholastic's "Let's Find Out', "TIME for Kids" and "The Weekly Reader", our Kindergarten newspapers, give a wealth of opportunities for oral expression on a multitude of topics. These papers are valuable tools in all areas of the program.
The math series used in Kindergarten provides rich and varied math experiences that cover shapes, patterns, number concepts and recognition to 30, beginning measurement, number writing, beginning telling time and money concepts. These areas are expanded and reinforced within our daily program providing a rich source for developing quantitative concepts and vocabulary. Our classroom math center provides the opportunity for each child to manipulate objects and engage in a multitude of guided activities, which reinforce the understanding of fundamental math concepts. Every student is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace, and, as in our reading program, the child who has advanced skills may work on first grade skills within the Kindergarten program. Our classroom computers are always available and we have an excellent selection of math and reading software.
Our own special Science curriculum includes the Five Senses, Nutrition and Health, The Seasons, Animals, and Our Wonderful Dinosaur unit, a special favorite. A multitude of mini units are included in the program, such as magnets and sinking and floating. Social Studies finds us learning about patriotic pride and many of our country's leaders such as Lincoln, Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community helpers, self-concept, our family and transportation units help us learn about social living and the responsibility of citizenship and getting along with others.
Music is an important component of our very full schedule, providing the class with rhythmic activities and appreciation of music in our daily lives. Music also adds to the growth of our listening skills. Creative art expression is another aspect of everyday activities. Painting, cutting, pasting and creating with a wealth of materials provide a chance for fine motor growth and an outlet for creativity.
The total development of our students, with special emphasis on their happiness, self-esteem and good social skills, is our goal. Our ongoing evaluation of each student over the year provides a smooth transition into the first grade.
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