LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
KINDERGARTEN
Revised 8/06
Adopted Programs:
Baretta-Lorton Math Their Way
By the end of kindergarten, students understand the consistency of small numbers, quantities and simple shapes in their everyday environment. They count, compare, describe and sort object.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Manipulative materials used in lessons to introduce, help explain, and reinforce math concepts.
Cooperative learning activities fostered in small group situations.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from the following strands: number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Reading
Slingerland Materials
Lindamood Bell LIPS Program
LASD CORE Literature
Supplemental Reading Books
Word analysis, fluency, and systematic vocabulary development
Students know about letters, words & sounds. Concepts about print, phonemic awareness, decoding, word recognition
& vocabulary development.
Reading Comprehension
Students identify the basic facts and ideas in what they have read, heard, or
viewed. They use comprehension strategies, (e.g., generating and responding to questions, comparing
information received to prior knowledge).
Literary Response and Analysis
Students listen and respond to stories based on well-known characters, themes, plots,
and settings.
Writing Strategies
Students write words and brief two to three word phrases that are legible.
Written & Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions.
Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students listen and respond to oral communication. They speak in clear and
coherent sentences.
Adopted Programs:
FOSS, Wood and Paper
CSIN Science Program: Earth and Physical Science;
Similarities/Differences in Living Things
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Concepts and Content:
Seasons
Weather
Water
Light and color spectrum
The earth and sun
Living things and their physical environment
Classification of living things
Solid, liquid, gas
Patterns of growth/change
Characteristics of plants/animals (silkworm and wheat)
Adopted Programs:
A Study of People and Places Now and Long Ago
People – families, heroes/role models, jobs, transportation, multicultural diversity
Places – homes, schools, communities, and geographical diversity
Nystrom Map and Globe Skill Program
Customs of various cultural groups (includes holidays)
Developing large and small muscles through body movement activities.
Singing, music appreciation, classroom instruments, rhythmic movement, visual and performing arts. Each site employs an art aide.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.