Kindergarten

The most significant academic work is done in the area of reading readiness. Children participate in many activities and lessons that prepare them for reading. Reading readiness is an essential part of the kindergarten experience and one that should be taken seriously by both student and parents. A significant aspect of reading readiness is learning sound/symbol associations. Students begin with a brief introduction of each letter and then move on to letter sounds and proper formation, using both the Open Court Reading Program and other Phonics curricula. By the end of kindergarten, most students will be reading.

The development of fine motor skills in preparation for first grade is also an important part of kindergarten. Students have many opportunities to use pencils, crayons and scissors and are instructed and reminded regularly as to their proper usage. The Handwriting Without Tears program is used to reinforce proper formation of capital and lowercase letters, as well as numbers.

Kindergartners have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them make the adjustment to the school environment and working in a group. It is important that children learn to function well in the classroom environment. This includes getting along with other children and cooperating with adults other than their own parents. Kindergartners learn to take turns and wait without interrupting. They also work diligently to develop their listening skills.

Our moral focus program also begins in Kindergarten. Students are introduced to monthly virtues and keywords through the use of stories and role-playing, as well as teaching by example. Kindergarteners also attend specials classes once a week for 30 minutes. Specials include Art, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish. All special classes are taught by certified teachers who are experts in their field. Computers and Library are also offered to the students weekly.

Assessments
The classroom teacher consistently monitors each child’s progress, starting at the beginning of the school year and continuing throughout the year. Teachers give one-on-one assessments on a regular basis and are also attentive to the daily work each child completes in the classroom. The information gained through these assessments is used to tailor the program to meet the needs of each individual child. This progress is also documented on the Vista Charter Academy progressive report card. Throughout the year, all kindergartners take the NWEA Test. This computer adaptive test evaluates progress and learning in the five domains of reading.

KinderCamp
Each August, Vista hosts "KinderCamp". This is a time when all incoming Kindergarten students attend a half day (8 am-11 am) program for 5 days to "Practice" being in Kindergarten. This allows the children to meet staff, see the different rooms, follow the actual schedule they will have when school starts, make friends, go over skills needed to be mastered by the beginning of the year, and get used to being in school. It is a unique and fun way to be sure all children are set up for success as school begins! Each attending child receives a Vista backpack to use during the year.