Mountain School Elementary

My philosophy as the kindergarten teacher is to first and foremost respect and appreciate each child as a unique individual with various learning styles and personalities. I feel my responsibility as the teacher is to support the child’s own development through active involvement in the learning process through various learning activities.

In the classroom I use a child-centered philosophy. The curriculum is based on individual development and various learning styles through a literature base learning/thematic approach which includes phonics, writing and comprehension skills. Whenever possible I integrate learning across the curriculum. With each new lesson children are given different hands on activities to help them meet their goals. When they have successfully completed their work they are given “challenge packets” with more complicated learning strategies designed to reinforce the new skill. They seem to really enjoy this. Once they have finished their required work for the lesson, they have an opportunity to have free-choice activities. These activities concentrate on fine motor development, math, science or reading readiness skills.

My program follows Arizona academic standards and the assessment of each child’s progress is ongoing. There are three formal report cards a year and a portfolio that I keep of each student’s progress in math, reading and writing.

The kindergartners also have Spanish, art, music, creative movement and Fit Kids which explores locomotor skills, basketball, soccer, and group games in a fun and noncompetitive environment. The children really enjoy these specialized programs.