Birmingham City SchoolsWelcome to Kindergarten!

2017-2018

We are excited about the new school year and becoming a part of your child’s educational journey.

Our mission: Because all children develop at different rates, it is important for

teachers to observe and document each child’s developmental growth. The learning process is supported through a variety of age appropriate experiences that include discovery, investigation, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Our curriculum: is based upon the developmental continuum of learning and aligns

with the Alabama College and Career Readiness Standards focuses on the development of the whole child individualized and based upon the needs of each individual child emphasizes inquiry-based learning promotes social and emotional opportunities for your child to learn

with their peers as well as independently

Our approach: We use an authentic observational system, known as Teaching

Strategies GOLD, that identifies each child’s strengths and needs based upon the thirty-eight objectives listed below.

Over the course of the year, we observe and document each child’s development and learning.

We will keep you informed of your child’s progress on a regular basis. Three times a year, you will receive a report card of your child’s

growth, development, and progress.

Kindergarten – a great place to grow and learn life skills that include problem solving, creative thinking, and cooperative learning.

Objectives for Development &

LearningBirth Through Kindergarten

Mathematics

Science and Technology24. Uses scientific inquiry skills25. Demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics of living things26. Demonstrates knowledge of the physical properties

of objects and materials27. Demonstrates knowledge of Earth’s environment28. Uses tools and other technology to perform tasks

English Language Acquisition37. Demonstrates progress in listening to and understanding English38. Demonstrates progress in speaking English

20. Uses number concepts and operations

21. Explores and describes spatial relationships and shapes

22. Compares and measures23. Demonstrates knowledge of patterns

Social–Emotional1. Regulates own emotions and behaviors2. Establishes and sustains positive relationships3. Participates cooperatively and

constructively in group situations

Physical4. Demonstrates traveling skills5. Demonstrates balancing skills6. Demonstrates gross-

motor manipulative skills

7. Demonstrates fine-motor strength and coordination

Literacy15. Demonstrates phonological awareness16. Demonstrates knowledge of the alphabet17. Demonstrates knowledge of

print and its uses18. Comprehends and responds to

books and other texts19. Demonstrates emergent writing skills

The Arts33. Explores the visual arts34. Explores musical concepts and

expression35. Explores dance and movement

concepts

Social Studies29. Demonstrates knowledge about self30. Shows basic understanding of

people and how they live31. Explores change related to

familiar people or places32. Demonstrates simple geographic

knowledge

Language8. Listens to and understands

increasingly complex language9. Uses language to express thoughts and needs

10. Uses appropriate conversational and other communication skills

Cognitive11. Demonstrates positive

approaches to learning12. Remembers and connects

experiences13. Uses classification skills14. Uses symbols and images to