Nativity School welcomes Kindergartners into a stimulating, nurturing environment that builds on students' natural inclination to investigate, explore, and create. It begins to lay the foundation for later successes and challenges as they move through grade levels by fostering independent thinking and problem solving.
Science- California Science Dimensions
California Science Dimensions by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt takes students on a tour through science in the classroom. It’s designed to create a high-impact learning experience with a supportive instructional path for students. Exploration, analysis, application, and explanation help students think like scientists.
Mathematics- Bridges
We use Bridges Math which incorporates both games and discussions to teach mathematical concepts, emphasizing idea-sharing and learning from and with peers. Students learn the basics of counting, addition and subtraction and receive the foundation needed to excel in Measurement, Algebra, Geometry later in education.
Reading- PALS
K-PALS (Kindergarten Peer Assisted Learning Strategies) is a phonics-based system we use for reading. Developed at Vanderbilt University, K-PALS provides differentiating instruction and reciprocal peer tutoring. The program starts with phonological awareness activities and then moves into teacher-directed sound play, decoding activities, and peer-to-peer activities meant to enhance lesson retention.
Writing- Writer’s Workshop
Writer’s Workshop follows a structure of: Think, Draw, Write. Students are exposed to the organization and thought required to create a story or write about a favorite topic. Because they are allowed to choose the topic, students are motivated to create and complete works to read to classmates. The Writer's Workshop format includes story planning, revision, teacher editing, and direct instruction in the mechanics of grammar.
Handwriting- Zaner-Bloser
Research results show that fluency in handwriting is strongly related to the quality and quantity of students’ complex written texts as late as grade 8. It reduces distractions by increasing focus, which also fosters creativity. Nativity students learn to write in cursive legibly in grade 3. Our Kindergarten program develops the needed literacy development, fine motor skills, and early writing fundamentals to help them become confident communicators.
Religion- God Loves Us
God Loves Us by Loyola Press is designed to nurture and enrich the faith and spiritual lives of young children. With abundant opportunities for prayer, developmentally appropriate lessons as well as Scripture, saints, family resources, colorful art, and engaging music, God Loves Us prepares children to continue their faith journey into first grade and beyond.