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Academics

Lower School

Kindergarten

Student: Teacher Ratio

8:1

Field Experiences Annually

4 to 6

Languages Studied (Mandarin/Spanish)

As the children grow and develop, the Kindergarten program is the first step toward Lower School with longer class times in all subjects. Classes are planned to promote focus, balance seated work with movement, and encourage group interaction. Students learn independence and responsibility through classroom jobs, managing homework logs and folders, and taking care of one’s own belongings. Kindergarten highlights include a unique mascot the children study and remember as they go through HDS, a Super Star program that allows each child to share his/her family heritage and culture, and Under Water Day, the culmination of a marine biology unit.

Kindergarten at Harford Day School is an exciting time for growth, learning, and exploration on our 12 acre campus and beyond.

In small classes with individual attention from highly trained teachers, students blossom into confident readers and develop a strong number sense.

Tapping into students’ natural curiosity, our enriched curriculum includes classes in art, music, media studies, Spanish, Mandarin, and physical education with specialists in their fields.

Social Studies and science are studied in homeroom and supported through four to six field experiences off campus from orchards to museums and concerts.

Two daily recesses ensure ample time for fresh air, creative play, and movement.

At the heart of the Kindergarten experience is a focus on Lasting Lessons and learning to be a good friend and community member.

School traditions, such as our Buddy Program, Friday assemblies, and class plays, allows for meaningful interaction among students from preschool through eighth grade.

When your child joins Harford Day, your family becomes a part of a diverse, multi-generational community.

Questions? Call 410-838-4848

“My child attended a private Pre-K which we loved; however, we love HDS even more!”

– Kindergarten Parent

Enriched Course Offerings

Art

Art instruction at Harford Day School is interdisciplinary and related to topics being studied in social studies, science or other subjects. This holistic approach is no different in Kindergarten. Using different mediums from clay to paint, students learn about a subject from many different perspectives in an age appropriate manner. Apples, lady bugs, snowmen, trees—you name it. Amazing works are created as the art teacher skillfully breaks down each project into fun, creative steps that hone the children’s fine motor skills.

Media Studies

The Kindergarteners continue to learn how to use the library, how to research the different materials available, and how to find them independently. They read books as a group, discuss the story and characters, and students check out their very own book selections.

Kindergarten students also visit the Media Center to work with computer programs and software as part of their language arts and math classes. Using the laptops and headphones, the children play educational games and learn new songs each week.

Music

Kindergarten students experience the elements of music through singing, movement, playing instruments, and creating. They learn to read and write rhythms and pitches by playing games and improvising.

Physical Education

In Kindergarten movement is so important to development. In Physical Education classes, students engage in activities that develop their gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and knowledge of different sports and games. Students use balls, hoops, bean bags, blocks, play running games, and enjoy building age appropriate obstacle courses. Good sportsmanship and teamwork are always emphasized.

Questions? Call 410-838-4848

Core Courses

Language Arts

The Kindergarten reading program features the diverse and dynamic Superkids. Each Supkerkid has a unique personality and provides a character lesson along with interactive and online components that attract and encourage the children to read. The children are placed in small groups to ensure individual support of their reading and writing skills.

Math

Math continues to focus on building a strong number sense through a variety of games, activities, and manipulatives including, but not limited to, mastering:

the fundamentals of addition and subtraction
addition facts up to 12 and from 12
count to 120 by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s? To 20 by 2’s
the use of a graph
how to identify and extend a 3 or 4 part pattern
how to use measurement and tell time to the hour and half hour
how to identify geometric shapes and their properties
how to identify and understand value of the penny, nickel, and dime,
and count like coins to one dollar

Science

Science units are supported through the field experience program to allow students to authentically apply new found knowledge about plant and animal life cycles, the study of habitats,and health and nutrition, among others.

Chinese

Our Kindergarten students focus on listening and speaking Chinese through structured songs, stories, and nursery rhymes leading to a natural application of linguistic structures and vocabulary aimed at creating meaningful interactions in Chinese.

Students are introduced to Chinese Culture through holidays, traditional Chinese arts and crafts, and cultural practices. Lastly, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own cultural heritage to make cultural connections.

Spanish

Kindergarten students begin and end each class moving and grooving along with upbeat songs. They are introduced to colors, numbers, days of the week, family members, and parts of the body. Important Hispanic celebrations, such as “Los Días de los Muertos” and “Las Posadas” are also discussed. New vocabulary is reinforced through singing, dancing, reading, playing games, and coloring in class.

Harford Day is the only PK3 to Grade 8 independent school in Harford County accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland/DC Schools) and a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).

Non-discrimination Statement
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.