OUSD's kindergarten program provides a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children develop essential academic, social, and emotional skills. Through a well-rounded, interdisciplinary curriculum, kindergartners explore language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

 

Kindergartners enjoy a rich, language-based interdisciplinary curriculum that includes the 95 Percent Phonics program. This structured, research-based approach to phonics focuses on building phonemic awareness and decoding skills essential for reading success. Students develop phonics proficiency by blending sounds into words and building sentences through explicit, small-group instruction. They further develop reading skills such as fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking by engaging with texts independently, in small groups, and in whole-class lessons. 

 

Writing Workshop helps kindergartners develop letter-sound knowledge, handwriting, and early composition skills as they practice forming letters, sounding out words, and crafting simple pieces about their own lives and experiences. Circle time fosters oral language development and builds a sense of community.

 

Mathematics instruction is guided by the Math Expressions curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning and problem-solving. Using manipulatives and visual models, students explore key concepts such as numeral recognition, one-to-one correspondence, patterning, sorting, measurement, and basic addition and subtraction through ten.

 

Daily circle time reinforces calendar activities, helping students understand time measurement by the hour, day, week, month, and year.

 

Kindergartners engage in inquiry-based science lessons using FOSS (Full Option Science System) kits. Themes such as plants, animals, trees, wood, and weather spark curiosity and foster scientific thinking.

 

Our social studies curriculum is powered by InquirED, a hands-on, inquiry-based program designed to spark curiosity and develop critical thinking skills. Through engaging projects and discussions, students explore concepts such as community, identity, and national symbols. This curriculum encourages collaborative learning and fosters an understanding of the world around them.

 

Kindergartners develop essential social-emotional skills through the Second Step program, which focuses on building empathy, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, students work daily to build independence through structured activities and play. The Big Buddy program fosters relationships and connects kindergartners to the broader school community.

 

In Technology instruction, students develop essential digital literacy skills that support their academic growth across subjects such as math, science, and social studies. Each classroom is equipped with a cart of iPads, generously funded by ONE Orinda donations, ensuring that students have access to their own device for engaging with digital resources and completing projects. Alongside their weekly technology lessons, students also learn about digital citizenship through the Common Sense curriculum, which guides them in navigating the digital world responsibly and respectfully.

All students participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and Garden activities where they explore exciting design challenges, engage in innovative practices and practice hands on activities.