Junior Kindergarten is a full-day programme that is designed to prepare our youngest students for the academic years ahead through small classes with high staff ratios.

Child-directed (play) and teacher-directed learning opportunities combine to build basic skills. Fins and gross motor development, reading, writing, math and language are explored under the careful guidance of trained Early Childhood Educators within a stimulating curriculum designed to hold the child’s interest. Creative expression is encouraged through dramatic play, art activities, crafts and music.

By creating a warm, stimulating and positive atmosphere within the classroom our staff strives to ensure that the child’s first experience of school is a good one. Only in this way can we prepare our students for the academic challenges of the school years ahead.

Language Arts

Introduction to Language Skills utilizes the Jolly Phonics Programme which introduces the letters of the alphabet and the sound each letter makes along with written activities to consolidate the students’ understanding and allows the teacher to implement a more individualized programme to enhance each child’s natural ability.

The components of the Language programme include elements that teach both reading and writing skills. A well-balanced reading programme is comprised of four distinct components:

·       Read aloud

·       Shared reading

·       Guided reading

·       Independent reading

It is important that there be a link between school and home in this area of the reading programme as the more often the children are exposed to appropriate reading materials the more proficient they will become as readers. Each child is given their own Book Bag in which the teacher will place their current reader, which they can bring home to be read and enjoyed with parents.

The Sommerville Writing programme includes activities that address:

·       Shared writing

·       Interactive writing

·       Independent writing

·       Printing

Mathematics

The Introduction to Mathematics is done using the Number Zoo programme.  The teacher introduces numbers through specific stories, which describe the number and its value.  The corresponding worksheets teach the correct formation of the numeral and the amount it represents.  When the children have completed the worksheets, they are introduced to a formal math programme using the Math Made Easy Kindergarten-level workbook This programme covers a variety of basic math skills, which include, counting, sets, patterning, measurement, time, graphing, addition and subtraction.

French

French instruction is introduced at the Junior Kindergarten level. The French teacher comes into the Junior Kindergarten class twice each week. This is a time when the children enjoy singing songs and reciting rhymes as they begin to learn some basic French vocabulary.

Themes

The Junior Kindergarten programme for the year is based on a variety of themes. Each theme provides a topic of study around which teaching circles, creative activities and stories are developed.  Theme boxes are utilized in the Junior Kindergarten classroom to enhance the current theme and to provide ‘hands on’ experiences for the children.

Creative Activity Time extends to include the use of a Science Table. This area presents an exciting array of fascinating materials for the children to explore. Through free exploration and interaction with their classmates together they delve into the magical world at their fingertips.

Computers

As the pace of development in technology today becomes more intense, it is apparent that it is never too early for a child to be introduced to the world of computers. The use of educational games on the computer in the JK classroom develops dexterity and fine motor control, and promotes eye-hand coordination.  While enjoying these games, the children are oblivious to the fact that they are working on academic skills that develop their reading and math readiness.