Kindergarten

The Creative Curriculum is an early childhood education framework designed to support the holistic development of young children through a play-based, child-centered approach. Here’s a breakdown of its core philosophies and principles:

Child-Centered Learning

Focus on Individual Needs: The curriculum tailors learning experiences to the individual interests, needs, and developmental stages of each child.
Respect for Children’s Choices: Children’s choices are valued in their learning process, encouraging them to take an active role in their education.

Play-Based Learning

Learning Through Play: Emphasizes that children learn best through play, which helps them explore, discover, and make sense of the world.
Hands-On Experiences: Provides opportunities for children to engage in hands-on, meaningful activities that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.

Visit The Creative Curriculum® sites below to learn more:

THE CREATIVE CURRICULUM
THE CREATIVE CURRICULUM – Objectives for Learning & Development

In keeping with SSM’s whole school weCreate and ScholarShift philosophies, all specialist classes help the youngest students develop a willingness to try something new, work as part of a team, perform in front of others, fail, and try again, discover personal interests and passions, and develop their own creativity.

MORNING MEETING

Morning meetings serve as an essential element to foster community and set a positive tone for the day. During morning meetings, students and teachers come together to share announcements, celebrate achievements, and engage in interactive activities that promote social skills and cooperation. This time allows for building relationships and encourages open communication, creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and connected. By starting the day with a morning meeting, schools cultivate a sense of belonging and readiness for learning.

PHYSICAL

Traveling skills involve the ability to move efficiently through different environments, including actions like walking, running, and skipping. Balancing skills are crucial for maintaining stability during activities such as standing on one foot or navigating narrow surfaces. Gross-motor manipulative skills utilize large muscle groups for actions like throwing and kicking, while fine-motor strength and coordination focus on the smaller muscle groups in the hands and fingers. This includes using tools for writing and drawing, which require precision. Together, these skills support overall physical development and enhance confidence in movement.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students understand and manage their feelings. Students learn how to be kind to themselves and others. They practice sharing, listening, and working together with friends. SEL also teaches them how to solve problems and make good choices. It’s all about becoming a better friend and understanding their emotions.

COGNITIVE

Demonstrating positive approaches to learning involves actively engaging with tasks, persisting through challenges, and showing curiosity and problem-solving skills. Flexibility in thinking allows for adaptation to new situations. Individuals remember and connect experiences by recognizing relevant information and making meaningful associations. They also use classification skills to organize knowledge, and their ability to think symbolically is evident in sociodramatic play, where they represent absent objects and concepts through imagination.

LITERACY

Demonstrating phonological awareness involves recognizing and distinguishing between rhymes and alliteration, as well as identifying smaller sound units. Knowledge of the alphabet includes the ability to identify and name letters while applying letter-sound relationships. Understanding print and its functions is shown through the use and appreciation of books and familiarity with print concepts. Comprehension and response to texts are evident in interactions during read-alouds and discussions, as well as in the ability to retell stories and use basic reading skills. Additionally, emergent writing skills are reflected in the ability to write one’s name and convey meaning through writing.

MUSIC

Music programs introduce young students to the basics of music through fun, engaging activities. Children learn rhythm, melody, and musical notation, often through singing, clapping, and simple instruments like tambourines, xylophones, or drums. They explore musical concepts by listening to songs, moving to music, and creating sounds. Lessons often include games, stories, and group activities to help students develop listening skills, coordination, and a love for music. The class encourages creativity and collaboration while building foundational musical knowledge in an enjoyable, age-appropriate way.

DIGITAL WECREATE

Digital weCreate®️ integrates technology and creativity, fostering problem-solving, collaboration, and design-thinking skills. Students explore coding with tools like Scratch, build robotic creations, and design prototypes using 3D modeling software and crafting materials. The course emphasizes digital citizenship, internet safety, and creating stories, art, and projects with Google Workspace productivity tools. Through hands-on activities, students develop the ability to innovate responsibly, think critically, and become forward-thinking creators in the digital world.

MATHEMATICS

A solid understanding of number concepts includes counting, quantifying, and connecting numerals with their quantities. Learners grasp place value, base ten, and apply mathematical operations and strategies. They explore spatial relationships, understand shapes, and measure objects, time, and money. Additionally, they analyze data and demonstrate knowledge of patterns, essential for mathematical reasoning.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Using scientific inquiry skills involves understanding the characteristics of living things, recognizing the physical properties of various objects and materials, and demonstrating knowledge of Earth’s environment. This knowledge is complemented by the ability to use tools and technology effectively to perform tasks, enhancing exploration and investigation in scientific contexts.

PLAY BASED LEARNING

Children boost their confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based learning. They dive into meaningful topics, sparking curiosity and building essential skills through inquiry and exploration. Each investigation offers them a chance to think critically and apply process skills in real-world contexts, fostering a deep love of learning. Family-friendly activities also support and reinforce classroom learning at home, creating a seamless, enriched learning experience that connects school with family life.

THE ARTS

Exploring the visual arts allows individuals to engage with creativity and express emotions through various mediums. Musical concepts and expression foster an appreciation for rhythm and melody, enhancing emotional communication. Similarly, dance and movement concepts encourage physical expression and body awareness, while drama through actions and language promotes storytelling and character exploration. Together, these artistic explorations enrich personal development and cultural understanding.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Demonstrating progress in listening to and understanding English reflects an individual’s growing ability to comprehend spoken language and engage with various contexts. Concurrently, progress in speaking English indicates improvement in verbal expression, vocabulary, and communication skills. Together, these advancements highlight overall language development and confidence in using English effectively in both social and academic settings.

AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES

After-school Activities provides students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build friendships beyond the classroom. From sport teams and clubs to arts and music programs, these activities encourage teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Participating in after-school programs helps students unwind, boosts their confidence, and fosters a sense of belonging within the school community. Overall, these enriching experiences play a crucial role in promoting well-rounded development and enhancing the overall school experience