WELCOME TO THE
KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM PAGE!

Below you will find a brief description overview of the Mars Area School District’s Kindergarten curriculum. To explore specific content areas and view unit descriptions alongside of the standards, simply click on the specific content name located to the right.

KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

English Language Arts (ELA)

Kindergarten English Language Arts (ELA) consists of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Reading instruction is based on the key components of phonemic awareness, phonics, high frequency words, reading skills, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension. Writing instruction is based on the key components of focus, content, organization, style, and conventions. Listening instruction is learning vocabulary, getting information, responding to, and appreciating literature.  Speaking instruction is learning and using vocabulary, retelling, staying on topic, and talking in complete sentences.

Mathematics

Kindergarten Mathematics consists of students utilizing foundational numeracy skills. Students are given ample exposure in number sense, computation, classifying, patterning, problem solving, comparison, measurement, and geometry.

Science

Kindergarten Science consists of physical, environmental, and earth and space science. Instruction includes understanding, describing, sorting the properties of materials, and exploring seasonal changes in the environment. Additionally, students will be challenged with the introduction of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in the module entitled Motion and Design. The aim of this STEM introduction is to increase student engagement in engineering with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and persistence in problem solving.

Social Studies

Kindergarten Social Studies consists of history, economics, political science, and anthropology/sociology. Social Studies instruction includes concepts such as holidays, sequence of events, work, work skills, citizenship training, family, and the school environment.    

Physical Education

Kindergarten Physical Education encourages students to participate in organized play, structured games, and physical activities that promote physical fitness. Additionally, students are challenged to follow multiple step directions and game rules while exhibiting good sportsmanship.

Art

Kindergarten Art class truly begins by creating a safe and exciting learning environment, whereby students create and share what they have produced with their peers and families. Their passion for art will continue to be fostered as they are exposed to various mediums such as watercolor painting, crayon, and clay, while exploring a variety of techniques. Students will be introduced to famous artists and their works throughout the year.

Library

Students demonstrate an understanding of the functions and procedures of the library setting as well as the basic characteristics found in literature such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc. Students are introduced to the appropriate procedures utilized when selecting library materials. These procedures are practiced throughout the year. Additionally, students learn about various authors, illustrators, and literary selections. Technology skills and safe digital citizenship are both introduced and integrated throughout the Kindergarten year in preparation for first grade learning.

STEAM (K-6)

Mars Area School District's Elementary (K-6) STEAM Program is an authentic and engaging learning environment that challenges students to problem-solve through innovation, imagination, and creation. Students learn through a progression of skills aligned to the K-6 curriculum through the collaborative use of multi-media tools, computational thinking, and tinkering. STEAM instruction focuses on an integrated blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Students work collaboratively on projects that extend learning beyond curriculum content by tinkering/designing with tools and various materials as well as through coding and programming. STEAM classrooms at each elementary building are designed to promote teamwork and innovation in a high-tech maker space. Accessibility to iPads, robotics, building materials and resources enable students to hit their peak of curiosity and creativity.