Kindergarten
Kindergarten at SMES is focused on the development of the whole child.
Kindergarten has a 1:6 teacher to student ratio with the majority of time spent in small group or one-on-one instruction.
Curriculum is research-based and balanced between the needs of the individual students and the class as a whole each year. The experienced teachers use the Kindergarten TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) as well as the following curriculums & curriculum models to guide their instruction:
- Everyday Mathematics
- Teacher’s College Reading & Writing Project: Reading Workshop & Writing Workshop
- Learning without Tears
- Small group reading instruction
- C R Success (phonics instruction)
Saint Michael Episcopal School is thrilled to announce our implementation of Changemakers: A Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for our Preschool and Kindergarten Division. This research-based program was developed by the renowned Momentous Institute based here in Dallas and seamlessly follows our Baby Doll Circle Time curriculum used with our Early Learning Division. The intentional and engaging instruction of Changemakers aligns beautifully with Saint Michael’s approach to early childhood by incorporating language and activities that directly connect to students’ own experiences. Through the program, children will build skills in areas including self-regulation, gratitude, perspective-taking, and more. All three grade levels will culminate the year in a unit focused on becoming Changemakers themselves, further developing their connection to our four pillars of Love, Faith, Education, and Service.
Physical Development is an important aspect of early childhood education and the SMES kindergarten program. The class takes two outdoor recesses daily to encourage gross motor development as well as participating in multiple physical enrichment classes. While in the classroom, teachers address fine motor skills, strengthening fingers & hand-eye coordination, through games, manipulatives, the Learning without Tears program, and more.
Service & Community Involvement are woven throughout the kindergarten year: class meetings to discuss & solve classroom issues, hosting a lemonade stand for Canine Companions, collecting canned goods, reading to & supporting younger students at SMES.