Gregg International School 　　K4 Class

Course Descriptions

Mathematics - Activities in our K4 Class introduce and broaden basic understanding of number concepts. Children will enjoy learning about the variety of applications that numbers have in our lives. Included in the coursework are classification and ordering of objects according to their quantitative attributes. Experimentation with quantitative differences of objects by using various measuring tools will help the children to discover measurement relationships and their practical applications. Classroom work involves a variety of games and activities to stimulate each child's interest in mathematics.

Reading - Children in K4 develop and expand their pre-reading skills by recognizing the synchronization between the verbalization of written text and its pictorial representation. Opportunities abound for the children to relate or dramatize their own versions of the narratives that have been covered in the class. An introduction to the elements of narratives focusing on characters, settings, and plots is used as a means to assess the children's comprehension of the literature. Of course, ample time is allowed to discuss freely the stories and their meanings.

Writing/Drawing - Pre-writing skills of children are nurtured by showing them the diversity of human expression that is possible through written language. In addition, teachers carefully introduce the form and function of letters of the alphabet. The connection between the idea and its symbolic expression is further explored as children are encouraged to develop confidence in putting their thoughts on paper using techniques such as drawing, simulated script, and random spellings. As their confidence in symbolic expression grows, children work toward conventional handwriting as the letters of the alphabet are mastered.

Science - Children in K4 begin to acquire scientific knowledge through careful observation and simple experiments. Learning the techniques of scientific methods through hands-on experience will help to build a strong foundation for your child's future excursions into the world of science. As children understand more and more about the physical and organic aspects of the world around them, they will be inspired by the satisfaction of gaining knowledge through discovery and invention.

Social Studies - The ultimate objective of the K4 social studies curriculum is to affirm in the children their own intrinsic value as human beings. The teacher promotes a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to raising the awareness of children that, regardless of our differences, each child is important and has attributes that are desirable. Classroom activities reinforce the message that human life is precious, and each of us can make meaningful contributions to our world.