Kindergarten

The Bridge in Mathematics program develops children’s mathematical thinking and reasoning abilities through age-appropriate problems and investigations in the areas of numbers, operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, data, and geometry. Some of these problems and inquiries grow out of ventures into everyday life-reading stories, playing games, drawing pictures, building structures, and making collections-while others delve more deeply into the world of mathematics itself. Students are encouraged to explore, develop, test, discuss and apply ideas: to see mathematics as fluid, vibrant, creative and relevant.

Kindergartners are introduced to shape, color, and texture as tools for visual expression.

From the report card course description, fall semester:

We began looking at prehistoric, African, Aboriginal, and Native American art to learn basic skills: pencil holding, following directions, identifying symbols and patterns, and using the five elements of drawing. We practiced paper orientation and use of space. More recently we began studying individual abstract artists and their work to learn about lines, shapes, primary colors, color value, vertical/horizontal/diagonal, abstract vs. realistic, and expression of emotion in art. These are the artists we have studied and replicated: Piet Mondrian, Kandinsky, Paul Klee. We combined some of our art time with science to create beautiful weavings.

Kindergarten students engage in activities and games to promote a healthy lifestyle and a sense of fair play. They develop gross motor skills and confidence as they build spatial and body awareness. They learn proper techniques for throwing, catching, kicking, and hitting balls, and they improve their balance and agility on fun obstacle courses. All the physical education activities emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship. Highlights of the program include canoeing on the ponds and skiing with classmates several afternoons on the local ski areas.

Kindergarten children experience their first outdoor education trip in late September, a day that combines all the elements of Aspen Country Day School’s Outdoor Education program: exploring, learning about nature, cooperating to pitch tents, and singing around the campfire. They are formally presented with the journals they will write in during each of their two trips per year through Eighth Grade. In May, they travel to Colorado National Monument for a hike and overnight campout. On each trip they learn more about our core values of character, respect, responsibility, community, and perseverance.

Social-emotional learning is woven into the Kindergarten program daily. Lower School Counselor Mary Stokes, a former Kindergarten teacher, comes to each class weekly with fun, mindful activities. These are often craft or design projects related to the school-wide monthly themes such as “Patience” or “Inclusiveness.” This class meeting time is also an opportunity for children to work out interpersonal misunderstandings with the help of the school counselor. The focus is on creating a supportive classroom where everyone feels loved and respected.

Kindergarteners are enthusiastic about their many new adventures. From the weekly Lower School Assembly to the annual celebration of the 100th Day of School, from field trips to the end-of-year Regatta and picnic, the Kindergartners are on the go with activities throughout the year. Their writing is included in the Aardvark Review, the ACDS literary magazine, and they are paired up with the Fifth Graders in the school buddy program. Parents join in for many project presentations, special celebrations, and Kindergarten events.