Daily Routine:
Kindergarteners start class in front of the calendarío
(calendar) daily. During this time, the students count together to 31 in
Spanish, sing the Days of the Week song, Months of the Year song, and repeat
and recite the date of hoy es, ayer fue, y mañana es (today is, yesterday
was and tomorrow is). Students also sing "the color song" and review
whatever vocabulary was introduced the class before. Individual student then
have the opportunity to try things on his or her own. Some count, others
sing a song, while some prefer to have a "mock conversation" using their
greeting vocabulary.
Vocabulary Themes:
September
Greetings and Goodbyes
Written Numbers(1-10)
Colors
October
(Repetition of September vocabulary)
Greetings and Goodbyes
Basic expressions
Seasons
Weather
November
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Colors (part 2)
Written Numbers (10-20)
Dia de Gracias Vocabulary (Thanksgiving meal vocab)
December
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Winter Vocabulary
Classroom objects
January
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Classroom objects
Family
February
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Food
March
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Spring Vocabulary
Clothing
April
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Community
May
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Cinco de Mayo arts, crafts and vocabulary
Latin American Geography
June
(Repetition of previous vocabulary)
Review of the years vocabulary
Ancient Civilizations (Aztec, Mayan, Incan)
Each month holds several "culture days" as well, where students learn
everything from latino holidays and traditions, to ancient civilizatins and
history. Students learn extensively about Mexico's Independence (September
16th), Dia de los Muertos (Oct-Nov), and Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).
*At home, you could ask your child to try and teach you what they’ve
learned, in front of the calendar. See if they can tell you the days of the
week, count, months, etc. Repetition is very helpful for them, as they are
sifting through so many new ideas every day. Ask them what their “special
word” for the week is, and see if they can tell you what words their friends
picked. Some struggle with the way the Spanish feels in their mouth, so
please continue to encourage them to try.