Kindergarten Course Description

 

Introduction to Kindergarten Language Arts:

Students in Kindergarten learn concepts of print, recognize sounds in individual words, write their first and last name, and recognize all letters in the alphabet. Instruction focuses on asking and answering explicit and inferential questions, retelling and engaging in collaborative conversation. Students identify authors and illustrators and describe characters and settings. Students begin drawing and labeling pictures to tell a story. Students expand their personal and academic vocabulary they can use in speaking. Students participate in read-alouds, developing stamina for listening. 
(“English Language Arts.” Oklahoma State Department of Education, 2023, sde.ok.gov/language-arts.)

 

An Introduction to Kindergarten Mathematics:

Kindergarten is creating the building blocks that will develop the foundation for the student’s future in mathematics.  The concepts that will form these building blocks are quantity, patterns, measurement, and data. These main concepts should be explored, modeled, discussed.  This can be done with student-led discussions, problem based activities, and exploration, all the while asking the students how they solved it.
(“Mathematics.” Oklahoma State Department of Education, 20203 sde.ok.gov/mathematics.)

 

Introduction to Kindergarten Science:

The performance expectations in kindergarten help students formulate answers to questions such as: “What happens if you push or pull an object harder? Where do animals live and why do they live there? What is the weather like today and how is it different from yesterday?” Students are expected to develop an understanding of patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. Students are able to apply an understanding of the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object to analyze a design solution. Students are also expected to develop an understanding of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive and the relationship between their needs and where they live. The crosscutting concepts of patterns; cause and effect; systems and system models; interdependence of science, engineering, and technology; and influence of engineering, technology, and science on society and the natural world are called out as organizing concepts for these disciplinary core ideas. In the kindergarten performance expectations, students are expected to demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency in asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students are expected to use these practices to demonstrate an understanding of the core ideas.

(“Science.” Oklahoma State Department of Education, 2023, sde.ok.gov/science.)

 

Introduction to Kindergarten Social Studies:

In Kindergarten, students continue to build and enhance their understanding of the social studies strands: history, geography, civics, and economics. Students develop an appreciation of American symbols and holidays. Concepts of cultural and physical geography are introduced, comparing the student's community to other places and peoples. Civics provides students with a continued study of the traits and practices of good citizenship. In addition, the basic economic concepts are further explored in order to understand needs, wants, and how citizens help their community's economy grow.

(“Social Studies.” Oklahoma State Department of Education, 2023, sde.ok.gov/socialstudies.)