My Kindergarten Class is a Christ-centered classroom. We begin our day with prayer, end our day with prayer and say grace before snack time and lunch. Part of my class discipline is based on our morning prayer. My philosophy is that the whole child (emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and physical) must be nurtured and guided as development occurs. No part is more or less important than the other.

My Kindergarten Class is a full day from 8:15 am to 2:45 pm. The morning is usually devoted to academic areas (reading, math and science) with recess and snack time also included. The afternoon is more relaxed where the children have art, language art, music and social studies during the week. There is a longer playtime in the afternoon.

Discipline in my class begins with remembering what kind of actions, thoughts and words we prayed for that day. If discipline continues to be necessary the next step is the “thinking chair” where the child reflects on his/her actions. Next would be the journal, which I write in each day, sharing the problem the child has had that day. Finally, a phone call or conference may occur. I do teach the children the words: “Please stop… I do not like it!” so they can begin to resolve problems themselves in a positive, verbal way.

Kindergarteners also attend Chapel, Religion class, Library, Music class and Spanish classes during the week. They are expected to do a science project outside of class which is shown during our class science fair. The children sit near their projects for about thirty minutes verbalizing to visitors about their projects.  Also, during the year we go on field trips to museums in Balboa Park, the symphony, theatre productions and other places that enrich my curriculum.  (Example: Sea World for our Marine Biology study)

My goals for each child are to begin to develop them as effective communicators, critical thinkers, responsible, respectful citizens, self-directed life-long learners and healthy beings.

Thank you for your interest in my school and my Kindergarten class. Please stop by and visit us.

Christine Watling