Kindergarten Description
Language Arts: The kindergarten year is the beginning of a journey into the world of education. A primary focus of language arts is making sense of the alphabet and its role in reading. Kindergartners explore letters, sounds and words as they apply this knowledge to read and write simple sentences. They learn that the printed word has meaning and enjoy a variety of literature experiences including fiction and non-fiction.
Mathematics: Kindergarteners begin to make sense of the world of math. Geometric shapes become important tools in making math visible and tangible. By the end of kindergarten, students understand small numbers, quantities and simple shapes in their everyday environments. Students are exposed to a variety of math exercises designed to empower them to count, compare, describe and sort objects, plus develop a sense of properties and patterns.
Science: Students are introduced to concepts related to Life, Earth and Physical Sciences. Guided by the FOSS Science Curriculum (developed by Berkeley’s own Lawrence Hall of Science), students learn the properties of materials, how to differentiate plants and animals in their kingdoms, and become aware of seasonal and physical changes in the Earth through hands-on activities and the use of their five senses. Farm, garden and cooking classes support grade level science content.
History and Social Science: Kindergarteners are introduced to basic spatial, temporal, and causal relationships, emphasizing the geographic and historical connections between the world today and long ago. The stories of ordinary and extraordinary people help describe the range and continuity of human experience and introduce the concepts of: courage, self-control, justice heroism, leadership, deliberation, and individual responsibility. Historical empathy for how people lived and worked long ago reinforces the concept of civic behavior: following rules, and respecting the rights of others.
Meet Meet Pamela Diebel
Kindergarten Teacher, English, Room 102
Meet Cassandra Bull
Kindergarten Teacher, English, Room 109
Meet Natalia Bernal...
Kindergarten Teacher, Two-Way Immersion, Room 110
What was your favorite subject as a student?
My favorite subject was French. I have always loved languages.
Who has been the most inspirational teacher to you?
I had an advisor and professor in my Master’s program who really made academic language and thought accessible to me. I really appreciated how he broke down concepts and connected things culturally and historically so that I could grasp educational theories that I had been struggling with. I hope to be a bridge for my students in the same way.
What do you like most about being a teacher?
I really love creating curriculum for my class. I get excited when I find new children's music that I can use or beautiful literature that inspires me. When I can't find the right song, I make it up. When I'm inspired, the kids are inspired and the classroom becomes a place of excitement and community.
What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
The most challenging part is trying to satisfy the state demands (standards) while trying to really treat each child as a unique individual and respect his/her own learning process. I sometimes feel that I am putting too much pressure on kindergarteners, forcing them to read and write when some need more time to play and develop social and emotional skills.
What is the most important lesson that one can be taught?
In kindergarten, it's all about learning to communicate your feelings.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my one-year-old Alexa. She has brought me so much joy and is teaching me about how children learn. It's amazing to see her developing language and new physical abilities each day.
¿Cuál era su materia preferida cuando era estudiante?
Mi materia preferida era el francés. Siempre me han encantado las lenguas.
¿Quién ha sido la maestra/el maestro que le ha inspirado más?
Tenía un consejero y profesor en mi programa de maestría que hizo que el lenguaje y el pensamiento académico me fuera accesible. Le agradecía mucho por explicar los conceptos y por conectarlos culturalmente e históricamente para que pudiera comprender las teorías de la educación que me habían dado mucha dificultad. Yo espero ser un puente para mis estudiantes de la misma manera.
¿Qué es lo que le gusta más de ser maestra?
Me encanta mucho crear el currículo para mi clase. Me da mucha ilusión cuando encuentro una nueva canción de niños que puedo usar o literatura hermosa que me inspira. Cuando no puedo encontrar la canción adecuada, la invento. Cuando me siento inspirada, los niños se sienten inspirados y el aula se convierte en un lugar de entusiasmo y de comunidad.
¿Qué es el aspecto más difícil de ser maestra?
El aspecto más difícil es tratar de satisfacer las demandas (estándares) del estado, mientras que hago un esfuerzo de tratar a cada niño/a como individuo único y respetar su proceso del aprendizaje. A veces tengo la sensación de que les presiono demasiado a los de kindergarten, obligándoles a leer y escribir cuando algunos necesitan más tiempo para jugar y desarrollar conocimientos sociales y emocionales.
¿Cuál es la lección más importante que se puede aprender?
En kindergarten, todo se trata de comunicar las emociones.
¿Qué te gusta hacer durante su tiempo libre?
Paso el tiempo libre con mi hija de un año, Alexa. Ella me ha traído muchisima alegría y me está enseñando sobre como aprenden los niños. Es asombroso verla desarrollar sus capacidades físicas y de lenguaje cada día que pasa.
Meet Kate Donaldson-Fletcher...
Kindergarten Teacher, Two-Way Immersion, Room 110
Kindergarten Resources
Your Young Reader
