View our Early Childhood Slideshow
View our Early Childhood Art Gallery

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

     The Early Childhood years provide children with a language-rich environment in which to
learn and play. A variety of experiences, constructed within the framework of a stimulating
and integrated curriculum, enable children to become self-confident members in their
new environment. As children begin to discover the joy and satisfaction in learning, they
also come to appreciate how cooperation, respect and fairness are valued throughout the
school community. The program includes reading readiness skills and an understanding
of how numbers affect our lives. Listening skills are developed and expressive language
is expanded. Classroom and outdoor experiences strengthen fine and gross motor skills.
Creativity is carefully nurtured and individuality is strongly encouraged. Play serves as
an important function in a child’s physical, emotional and social development and is an
integral component of each day. Lunch is held in the dining room, and children attend
regularly scheduled classes in the library, art room, music/dance studio and gymnasium.
Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten children meet students from other divisions through
the weekly “Book Buddy” program as well as in all-school chapel and assemblies.
      Each morning at drop off, parents are encouraged to visit the classroom. This is a
special tradition at Grace. Children enjoy sharing their activities and projects with family
members as they settle into their daily routine. While formal conferences are scheduled
twice during the year, teachers are available to speak with parents whenever there are
questions or concerns. We believe that a successful first experience in school depends
upon open and honest communication between home and school.

JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN

  • Play and discovery through activities and projects
  • Fine motor skills are strengthened through drawing, cutting, and playing with small manipulative materials
  • Visits to the school library for story time and to borrow books
  • Regularly scheduled classes in the art room, dance/drama studio and gymnasium
  • Development of language and vocabulary skills through story dictation, listening to stories, following directions, and participation in discussions
  • Free time on the roof reinforces sharing and cooperation
  • Appreciation of school traditions
  • Chapel time builds community awareness

KINDERGARTEN

  • Developing skills for learning new information

  • Letter recognition through games, stories, and language-rich activities

  • Understanding number sequences with counting games, the calendar, and Cuisenaire Rods

  • Discriminating shapes and patterns by building and drawing

  • Using the resources of the larger school – library, art room, music/drama studios, and science lab

  • Building an understanding and appreciation of the differences and commonalities within the school community

View our Early Childhood Slideshow