KINDERGARTEN
Mrs. Mary Balmer
BA, University of Hawaii
Teaching Certificate, Seattle University
I have a passion for preparing children for a lifetime of learning. I strive to create a safe and rich environment that nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and excitement for learning, while helping to build a strong foundation of faith and academic success. I am excited to work with parents to make your child’s introduction to schooling both positive and successful. I live in Gig Harbor with my husband David and our two sons, Jacob and Michael.
*For Kindergarten, the child’s fifth birthday must be no later than August 31st of the year the child is admitted. The principal and Kindergarten teacher(s) shall be the final arbiters of a child’s readiness for admittance to Kindergarten based on readiness evaluations.
CURRICULUM
Math
The math program is designed to extend the understanding of key concepts. Active, hands-on methods develop problem-solving skills and extend the children’s understanding and enjoyment of numbers and their functions. The classroom environment encourages students to explore, develop, test, discuss and apply ideas.
Science
Each child is encouraged to use all their senses to observe, explore and develop unique ways to problem solve. Students explore topics such as engineering and they create different ways to erect structures. They learn about apples, pumpkins, penguins, butterflies, chicks, plants, and they learn about the seasons. They will also learn about levers, pulleys and force. Children are encouraged to think “outside the box” and to be creative. They share their discoveries with each other and with other classes. They also share their knowledge of what they have learned throughout the year at the school Student Showcase.
Social Studies
The Kindergarten social studies program focuses on the children themselves, their families, their class at school, and the school community. Children also experience the meaning of holidays and the social traditions connected with them through songs, stories, experience writing and other special projects. The Kindergarten students have their first history unit with their study of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
Religion
Religion is integrated into every aspect of our day. Prayer includes the traditional memorized prayers and spontaneous prayer. We learn about participating in the Mass and prayer services. We learn about creation, the Saints, Church holidays and celebrations. the children participate in Lent and Advent. They learn stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The children become even more aware of how precious they are to God. They learn that Jesus loves them – more than they can ever imagine!
Language Arts
In Kindergarten, children focus on reading, writing, listening and oral expression. A print rich environment is provided to encourage experience for thought and conversation that extends each student’s language skills and builds their vocabulary. A balanced literacy approach emphasizes recognizing basic sight words, using decoding strategies, building fluency and expanding vocabulary. Daily language activities include shared reading and writing, guided reading and writing, independent reading and writing and reading and writing with a peer. Because phonetic analysis is an essential reading skill, each child uses their knowledge of the alphabet to do word study activities. Handwriting skills are refined through daily practice.