Language Arts

Kindergarten uses the Macmillan/McGraw Hill Reading Curriculum. We know that each child has his/her own rate of growth and development and during these early stages of literacy, our goals for Kindergarten are for children to: 

1. develop a love of books,
2. care for and use books properly,
3. love being read to,
4. desire to read,
5. appreciate literature,
6. and gain pleasure in listening to tapes and following along in storybooks.

Our approach to literacy is one that integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on research, observation, and experience, we know that a productive reading/writing program includes generous amounts of:

1. Good literature including all genres – poetry, fiction, factual/informative material
2. Structured, planned, direct teaching of word recognition skills including phonemic awareness (sounds in words), concepts of print, phonics, syllabication and sequence, high-frequency words and strategies for figuring out words. Phonics skills are taught in sequence using books and materials whose text requires those specific phonics skills.

    Mathematics

In Kindergarten, Christ Church School uses the Everyday Math program. This program places a strong emphasis on the development of mathematical concepts.  Kindergarten students are encouraged to construct meanings based on physical experience with a wide variety of manipulatives. The application of mathematics as a practical, useful subject is also emphasized. Reading, writing and drawing opportunities are integrated into the math program and contribute to the children’s mathematical development.

    Science

Science activities in Kindergarten capitalize on the children’s natural curiosity of their environment. Students are exposed to life science, physical science, and Earth science. Kindergarten students learn about scientific exploration through estimating, hypothesizing, sorting, classifying, sequencing, graphing, experimenting, questioning, and drawing conclusions.

    Social Studies

Kindergarten students are exposed to history, geography and civics. They learn to say the Pledge of Allegiance, recognize the flag as a U.S. symbol, identify the U.S. on a map, and learn about some of our history and our Presidents. Citizen participation skills are nurtured and guided as students learn to make appropriate choices and decisions as individuals and as part of a group. They learn how to work cooperatively and why it is important to follow school and community rules. School-wide service projects during the year seek to involve the Kindergarten students in helping others in need while teaching the children about responsible citizenship.

    ACSTO Scholarships

Due to generous tax-credit donations made to the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) by our CCS families and Christ Church of the Acension members, scholarship monies are available for students who will be attending Kindergarten at Christ Church School during the 2009-2010 school year. Once your student is enrolled in Kindergarten at CCS, you may complete and file the ACSTO application. All applications are confidential and must be mailed or faxed directly to ACSTO. The staff and Board of CCS are not involved in teh allocation process and will not have access to any of your confidential information. Please consult the ACSTO time line for deadlines and distribution information.