Kindergarten is not just pencil and paper. Every day in all areas of learning, we aim for interactive experiences. This means building with Legos, learning about density by experimenting with objects that float or sink, creating art with tools from individual art buckets, and moving as much as possible between "centers" -- stations for imaginative play located around the classroom.
It's important to note, too, that our math and writing programs are personalized for each child, meaning every student is being challenged to the best of their abilities at the appropriate level. Not only are learning experiences fun and social whenever possible, but they are individually tailored and developmentally focused.
While field trips -- which are normally a big part of kindergarten at Moravian -- are paused due to the pandemic, we still want to give students the experience of connecting with the outside community. Instead, students take virtual field trips, engaging with interactive presentations that transport them to the pumpkin patch, the dairy farm, or a fire station.
Perhaps one of the best parts of the experiential learning we offer is the digital student portfolio, SeeSaw, parents and families can see a real-time picture of what their children are doing in class and are therefore able to ask them specific questions about their day, becoming partners in learning and a part of the overall experience.
The most important part of kindergarten is simply the experience of being a kindergartener and not rushing toward first grade, having fun every step of the way, and moving forward when each student is developmentally ready.