A Day in the Life of a Higley Traditional Kindergarten Student

A Day in the Life of a Higley Traditional Kindergarten Student 

Starts with Blue
Higley Traditional Academy kindergarten students start their mornings with what teachers call the “blue book,” which is a new “Journey” Language Arts book purchased during the district’s recent curriculum adoption. Students open their Journey books and begin their days with ABC letter sounds. Students learn to recognize each letter sound and its pronunciation in a word. Picture recognition plays a big part in helping students recognize a word or a letter.

Numbers used
In kindergarten, teachers begin with simple lessons such as the months and days of week. Students sit on a colorful rug as they go over the month and count the number of days in the month. Students may also learn creatively making a pattern for the number of the day. Also students fill in the missing numbers on a calendar. Number stories are created as each student takes a turn. HTA students use Saxon Math, in which math is accelerated one year ahead. Students in kindergarten are taught first grade math concepts. 

Engaging students
“Movin’” and “Groovin’” is one technic teachers use to get students to engage. Whether it’s singing to a song, or learning a new vocabulary word, students are engaged through physical activities just as jumping or following along with their fingers.
Another way teachers help students to engage is by giving them class points or individual points for hard work. Acknowledging good work in class is very important to all kindergarten teachers.

English Language Arts
HTA’s education structure focuses on reading and writing. Kindergarten students are introduced to phonics from Day One using the Spalding method. Kindergarten teachers take time to read with children and help them learn the different components of a book and how it’s beneficial.

Fun place to learn
Kindergarten students in HTA look forward to learning. Throughout the day, activity centers are set up throughout the room to help students learn independently. Students can draw, count numbers, work on reading and writing, or play fun, interactive computer games.

“I like the centers because after 10 minutes we switch to a different activity. After we finish, it’s clean up time. My first day of school was fun. I like school,” said 5-year-old Aeiley.

“I like school because I get to learn stuff. I like learning about other cultures because an exchange student lives at my house and she’s 16. I want to learn Japanese,” said 6-year-old Holden.

“There are so many milestones in a child’s education, but no other thrill compares to listening to a child you taught to read and write. Being there at that moment when a child’s face lights up because they read you the story is incomparable. HTA is an amazing place for a child to start on his or her education journey. Our kindergarten team works collaboratively to ensure each child is meeting his or her goals. We are excited to watch each student’s growth throughout the years at HTA,” said kindergarten teacher, Jeannette McCarley.