Programs

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School

Programs

Kindergarten/Kinderbirds
T/Th 9:00 am-2:00 pm
F 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Age 5 by September 1

A Day in the Life of a Kinderbird

While no two days are ever exactly the same, the Kinderbird kindergarten schedule provides comfort in predictable structure and routine. It is a fast-paced day, enabling the children to learn many things in different ways, while accommodating their high level of energy. At all times, the teacher and one adult “participating parent” are present, bringing the ratio of children to adults to 1:5-7. We are in session on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-2:00p, and on Fridays from 9:00-12:00p, with an optional Spanish Enrichment class offered on Fridays from 12:00-2:00p.

9:00-9:20a Arrival & Floor Games

As children arrive, they place the previous day’s homework in a basket, hang their folders up to receive a new assignment, answer a yes/no question concerning the day’s theme, and greet the teacher. (Note: Homework is typically a fun 2-5 minute exercise that reinforces printing or other fine motor skill.) The teacher typically has some tangible item on display that she shares with the children and they can explore, e.g. ongoing science experiment, interesting nature object, cultural artifact. After the greeting, each child hangs up his/her backpack and coat, and washes hands. Then all children participate in “floor games” – three different hands-on games or activities (e.g. Hi-Ho Cherry-O, Trouble, Tinker Toys, Legos, peg boards).

9:20-9:50a Meeting

The teacher leads the class through the reading of a daily sentence, focusing on all aspects of that sentence. Then the teacher leads an interactive printing, spelling, and reading lesson. This is when the most conspicuous language arts learning occurs. The lesson is appropriate for children at a variety of levels. Not all children are ready to fully comprehend the lesson in its entirety, but each child feels fully included and hits the ground running when he/she is ready. Finally, the teacher explains what the “must do’s” are for the day, as well as what activities are available during free play (see 10:05a for further explanation).

9:50-10:05a Journals

Every school day, each child is expected to do some work in his/her journal. Free expression is encouraged, though the child must print at least one letter; most quickly progress to words and even sentences plus lots of pictures.

10:05-11:10a Free Play/Must Do’s/Snack

During this time period, children are free to move amongst the three rooms (“Art Room”, “Block Room”, “Climbing Room”) and engage in whichever activities they desire. Painting, drawing, board games, play manipulatives, dress-up, giant wooden blocks, sensory table, etc. are always available, while alternating activities may include climbing on the metal & wooden climber, building with gigantic tinker toys, playing a sport, helping mix ingredients for a baking/cooking project, working at a simulated store, creating a special art project, etc. At some point before this time ends, however, each child must complete all of the “must do’s”, e.g. printing exercise, forming a hypothesis and conducting a science experiment, surveying the class and recording results on a tally sheet, reading individually with the teacher. Also during this time, children are free to help themselves to a simple snack and drink of water.

11:10-11:20a Clean-up

11:20-11:50a Math

The teacher leads the class in a discussion of the calendar and a math lesson. The children then break into small groups, rotating among three hands-on, math-oriented activities. These range from practicing writing numbers to manipulating small objects which help teach pattern recognition, sequencing, length/weight comparison, spatial relations, addition and subtraction, etc.

11:50-12:00p Chapter Book

The teacher reads the next chapter in an age-appropriate chapter book, sometimes discussing the book by reviewing and making predictions.

12:00-12:30p Lunch

12:30-1:00p Outdoor Play

We go outside almost every day, as long as the temperature is above zero and it’s not pouring outside. The children have free range over the entire playground. On some days the giant sand box is opened and the riding toys or other outdoor equipment are brought out.

1:00-1:15p Rest

The children come into one room and lie quietly on a carpet square. The lights are dimmed and calming music is played. Each child may bring a soft “lovey” from home to hold.

Tuesday

1:15-1:45p Music

Our music teacher comes to the classroom and leads the class in a music lesson. This is a very interactive and often times physical lesson, in which the children learn about pitch, rhythm, tempo, etc. and frequently have the opportunity to play different instruments.

1:45-2:00p Story time

The teacher reads one story to the children, related to the theme of the day/week.

Thursday

1:15-2:00p Circle Time

The children have the opportunity to quietly read and/or look at books independently or in small groups. This is followed by songs, finger plays, and games led by the teacher. Finally, the teacher will read one story to the children, related to the theme of the day/week.

** On Friday, Math is incorporated into Free Play and meeting time.

The Meridian Hills Kindergarten is a developmentally appropriate program that meets children at their level.

Children learn about new concepts through integrated activities that incorporate reading, math, science, art and music in different ways. This multi-disciplinary approach is structured around themes and helps children learn skills while exploring topics of interest to them. This approach to learning works well for children of all levels and abilities.

Language Arts

Our kindergarten class combines phonics-based techniques with whole language reading opportunities. This combined approach helps children learn a variety of reading strategies. Daily exposure to books and writing enhances their learning.

Math

Children learn math concepts by working with concrete objects. Manipulatives help children develop a physical understanding of number and spatial relationships that eventually develop into an abstract understanding of symbols.

Science

Science and nature are an integral part of the day. Through science experiments and interactions, children are encouraged to be good scientists who observe, take notes, and interact respectfully with the natural world around them. A sampling of science topics include:

Social Studies

Social studies topics help children learn about the world around them and their place in it. Field trips often extend in-class learning. Topics covered:

Art

Music

Field Trips (vary by year)

Special Events

The Meridian Hills Kindergarten program was started in 2003 as a natural extension of our strong preschool program. The kindergarten curriculum relies on the philosophy that children learn best by doing! Our hands-on approach to learning gives children the opportunity to think, explore, and create in their own space as they develop the academic and social skills that will help them be successful students. Each child is encouraged to learn through interaction with materials and with each other.

Daily Schedule

Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enrichment

Optional Spanish Class

Friday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Teacher

Mindy Hutchinson, the kindergarten teacher, has taught at Meridian Hills since 1999. She comes to MHCNS with a passion for learning and an extensive teaching background. Her undergraduate degree is in elementary education and she holds a Master’s with a specialization in Reading. Mindy creates a structured and loving environment in which our kindergarten students can embark on the learning experience.