PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM
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Language Arts |
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The language arts program in the preschool class is taught throughout the daily curriculum. The children participate in a variety of activities to promote listening, speaking, writing and reading. The teachers use stories, poems, finger plays and dramatic play to create a strong language foundation in the classroom. The children are exposed to books through group and individual activities. Vocabulary, phonics and
comprehension skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
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Math |
In the preschool class the children gain an understanding of mathematics through a variety of hands-on activities. These concepts include recognition of numbers and matching and comparing sets. Through learning center activities they learn to identify shapes, estimating, sorting, patterning and sequencing. Daily calendar activities are used to help the children to understand the days of the week and months of the year.
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Science |
A basic awareness of the world around us is incorporated into the preschool program. Patterning, classifications, careful observation and hands-on exploration lead the children to an awareness of and appreciation for their world.
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Social Studies |
The social studies program in the preschool classroom enhances the child's social development. Through the social studies program the children develop self-esteem, awareness of values and an understanding of feelings. In addition, the children develop knowledge of school rules, appropriate hygiene and verbal problem solving techniques. Social studies themes may include family, insects, four seasons, five senses and special holidays. To enhance these themes the children may attend special activities and assemblies.
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Spanish |
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The Spanish program at Fairmont is an oral program. The children learn to communicate through listening, mimic of the teacher, games, songs and simple dialogues. Culture and customs are also introduced.
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KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM
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Language Arts |
The kindergarten language arts program is integrated into the child's day. The reading program incorporates phonics, writing, creative dramatics, listening, speaking and daily reading groups. Children are grouped according to their reading abilities. Reading assessments and teacher observations are used to determine placement. Children entering kindergarten reading fluently are challenged through a variety of literature and reading activities.
The language arts curriculum follows the California Standards.
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Math |
The kindergarten math program exposes the children to a variety of mathematical concepts. The children learn to develop logical and deductive reasoning skills. Problem solving skills are enhanced. The math program introduces the children to manipulative-based, hands on mathematics lessons. The children sort, pattern, count and estimate manipulatives to gain a greater awareness of numbers.
Each child is given a math workbook to provide additional reinforcement of mathematics skills. The mathematics curriculum follows the California Standards.
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Science |
A basic awareness of the world around us is incorporated into the kindergarten program. Patterning, classification, careful observation and hands-on exploration lead the children to an awareness of and appreciation for their world. The science curriculum follows the California Standards.
Science Units:
1. All About You
2. Life Around You:
3. Changes All Around
4. The Earth and You
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Social Studies |
The social studies program for kindergarten is designed to help children develop a better understanding of our world. A variety of topics are integrated into the daily classroom activities. A major emphasis is placed on social skills to help children develop a greater independence and the ability to work and play cooperatively with others. Thematic units expose children to the customs, history and geography of different cultures. The social studies curriculum follows the California Standards.
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Spanish |
The Spanish program at Fairmont is an oral program. The children learn to communicate through listening, mimic of the teacher, games, songs and simple dialogues. Culture and customs are also introduced.
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FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM
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Language Arts |
The language arts curriculum in grade one is a comprehensive program emphasizing the development of oral and written communication skills. Children are assessed through reading assessments. Each child is challenged to fulfill his/her potential.
The reading program exposes the children to a wide variety of literature. Reading is taught through both the phonetic and sight work approach. Frequent dictations reinforce mastery of phonetic skills. Students develop comprehension skills through daily reading lessons. Children learn to analyze stories through characterization, setting and plot development.
A formalized spelling program begins in first grade. Weekly spelling lists, with additional works from the child’s own vocabulary help the children with their daily written expression.
The handwriting program includes correct position of the pencil and paper, correct letter formation, spacing, neatness and legibility. The writing program uses a variety of strategies, including journal writing, creative writing and simple poetry. Creative dramatics and quality literature enhance the language arts program.
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Math |
The mathematics program is taught to enhance problem-solving techniques. The grade one curriculum involves the children in a higher level of thinking and reasoning skills. The children are exposed to concepts and materials according to their developmental levels. The children learn to understand and analyze graphs. They learn to tell time. They learn to count money. The children learn how to estimate answers as a problem solving strategy. They learn to write number sentences to explain mathematically their answers to word problems. Students are introduced to geometry, spatial relationships, fractions and measurement.
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Science |
The science program is an activity-based program. Science units are developed in the areas of life, earth and physical science. Emphasis is placed on investigation and experimentation. The program is enhanced with field trips. The core element of the program is a discovery, hands-on, learning-by-doing approach. The children work in cooperative learning groups and as individuals to observe, describe, measure, predict, estimate, test, and record. The grade one science units are:
| 1. Plants | 3. Growing and Changing |
| 2. Sound and Light | 4. Weather |
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Social Studies |
The grade one social studies curriculum focuses on the United States. The year begins with a study of how people live and work in our country within the home, family, school and community. The children learn patriotic songs and symbols. A study of American holidays introduces the children to historical events of our country. National monuments of our country are learned along with a basic idea of how our country is governed. The children learn the importance of rules and laws and how they govern our school, community and country. Map and globe skills are taught. The children learn about directions, landforms, oceans and poles. The world’s continents and oceans are discussed. The first grade social studies units are combined with reading, writing, art and music. Guest speakers, field trips and assemblies enrich each unit of study.
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Foreign Language |
The foreign language program at Fairmont is an oral program. The children learn to communicate through listening, mimic of the teacher, games, songs and simple dialogues. Culture and customs are also introduced.
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