Kindergarten

Cross and Crown Lutheran School Kindergarten is like other kindergartens in Sonoma County, in that we teach the basics (the three “R's”), while following the California State Standards.   Therefore, the number one question asked by prospective parents is:  “What makes Cross and Crown Lutheran School Kindergarten different from other kindergartens?”

We are different in three ways:

1. First and foremost, we are a Christ-centered community.
2. We offer three enrichment classes.
3. We run an all-day program.

Our curriculum incorporates the California State standards while addressing the following five developmental goals:

1.  Spiritual:  Lovingly share with the child God’s saving Word so that s/he experiences God’s love in Jesus Christ and responds in faith and love to God and others.
2.  Emotional:  Encourage, support, accept, and help the child grow in positive self-awareness, living confidently as God’s child.
3. Social:  Planned activities in which the child regards his/her body as a gift of God and grows in perceptual motor skills and body development.  
4. Physical: Plan activities in which the child regards his/her body as a gift of God and grows in perceptual motor skills and body development.
5. Intellectual:  Involve the child in appropriate experiences to enhance discovery, communication, conceptualization, and creativity. 

   Our Classroom Curriculum

   Religion: Bible concepts and stories are presented to the children not only during a formal religion period but are incorporated as part of the entire school day.  Experiences such as caring for a class pet or cleaning our environment are viewed with an awareness of the Creator.  Solving conflicts involves sharing forgiveness with each other and receiving forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ.  Working on patience and self-control invites the Holy Spirit into our day.

   Language Arts: Our reading program concentrates on auditory memory, auditory discrimination, vocabulary development, critical thinking, speech development, visual discrimination, auditory visual integration and writing skills.  Mid-year, much of our Language Arts time is spent writing creatively and together as a group.

   Mathematics: Our mathematics program is Saxon Publishers Math K program.  This program is designed to help the kindergartner learn a wide range of mathematical concepts as well as ensuring knowledge of basic arithmetic skills and is based upon current research evaluating the most effective ways to teach young children mathematics.

   Science/Social Science: Science and social science are taught in themes that provide students with opportunities to explore their world and then to use what they have learned.  For example, a unit on the five senses would stem from how God has made each of us special (religion), to allowing students to learn what the senses are (science), how the senses affect daily life (social science and language arts), and how the senses make our lives more interesting (art and music). 

   Arts and Crafts: Arts and Craft activities support and supplement the kindergarten curriculum in all the developmental areas.

   We offer Three Enrichment Programs

   1. Music:  In addition to classroom music, the children are offered a weekly formal lesson.  Students develop rhythmic and aural skills through the use of instruments, singing, games, and listening activities designed to develop music appreciation.  Students perform in several Cross and Crown Lutheran School and Church programs throughout the year.  
   2. Physical Education:  Much of the physical development at the kindergarten level is the result of non-directed, spirited free play.  Bi-weekly the children attend P.E. classes for more directed activities.  Structured games, physical fitness and rhythm activities help the kindergarten child develop many coordination skills and general physical fitness. 
   3. Spanish:  Once weekly, the kindergarten students are taught the basics of the Spanish language by a native language instructor.  

    How is all this accomplished?

   We offer Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Music, Art, Physical Education and Spanish through an all-day program, meeting daily from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 pm.  After-school care is available.