Resources & Information
Curriculum
At Catharine Blaine we have three kindergarten classes
which allow class sizes to remain small, averaging about 20 students per
class. We offer a half day program and a full day kindergarten with the
Pay for K tuition program.
Everyday Mathematics:
We use the Everyday Mathematics curriculum adopted by Seattle Public Schools. In kindergarten you can expect to see…
- a problem solving approach based on everyday situations
- key mathematical ideas repeated over time in slightly different ways
- learning through age-appropriate, playful activities
- a broad range of mathematics topics based on an optimistic view of children’s capabilities and motivation to learn;
- and opportunities to “do math” at home
Literacy and Reading:
All kindergarten students receive 90 minutes of structured literacy
instruction everyday! Literacy instruction is centered on the 5
components of reading: phonemic awareness, word recognition, fluency (in
letters and sounds), vocabulary, and comprehension. Kindergarteners
learn and practice literacy skills during whole group instruction,
literacy centers, shared writing, shared reading, and interactive read
aloud. During daily Read and Rest time, students have the opportunity to
enjoy self-selected books on their own or with a classmate.
Additionally, classroom routines are filled with opportunities to
strengthen students’ reading skills.
We use the Handwriting without Tears curriculum to
teach proper pencil grip and letter formation. We write in the air, on
the whiteboard, and on lined paper.
Writers Workshop:
We are thrilled to offer the Writers Workshop curriculum to
Kindergarteners. This amazing curriculum is taught to all students at
Blaine, from kindergarten through 8th grade. Kindergarten units of study
include Small Moments: Personal Narrative Writing, Authors as Mentors,
Writing for Readers, Writing for Many Purposes, All About and How-to
Books, and Poetry.
Writers Workshop consists of a strategy-based
teacher-led mini lesson, workshop time for students to write, weekly
one-to-one conferences between each student and teacher, and an
end-of-workshop sharing session. At the end of each unit, writers
celebrate by sharing writing with peers, teachers, and families.
Science:
At Blaine we use the National Science Foundation Curriculum. Students
use their senses to observe attributes, perform experiments, and notice
changes in behavior. After each science lesson, students record their
observations in their science journals using pictures and words.
- In the fall our kindergarten scientists will explore the physical properties of fabric with a series of hands-on experiments.
- In the winter our unit on life sciences begins with excitement as the students observe and compare live animals.
- Our spring unit will explore the physical properties of wood. We
even get to use hammers and nails to create wood sculptures, blending
both science and art together.
Second Step (Social Skills):
The purpose of the Second Step program is to build children’s social-emotional
skills and to foster a caring classroom community. The
three major units focus on Empathy Training, Emotion Management, and
Problem Solving. The curriculum uses pictures, puppets, and songs to
teach concepts. Students participate in discussion and role play to
reflect on and practice skills.
Multi Arts:
Students attend Multi Arts with Ms. Laurel three times a week. They
engage in activities centered on drama, fine arts, instrumental and
vocal music, movement, and dance. Kindergarteners also collaborate on
art installations with all 1st through 8th grade Blaine students!
PE:
Kindergarteners attend PE classes twice a week with Ms. Pickens, Mr.
Miller, and Ms. Anderson where they have fun while keeping fit with many
activities.