Kindergarten (Junior and Senior)

​The Kindergarten program at Kanata Academy is very unique. Even at a young age, we believe in the importance of structured academics. Students are encouraged to play, explore, and discover the world around them through specific guided lessons and activities. Between the ages of four and six students are at a very important stage of development, therefore, we believe in providing them with a solid foundation that will set them up for academic and social success in the future. Our students participate in a variety of educational activities that pertain to all key learning areas and levels of ability.

Social and emotional development is the base for all things in kindergarten. It is our responsibility as educators to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all of our students while teaching and guiding them on how to believe in their abilities and treat others with respect and courtesy. We teach students about proper manners, listening skills and how to follow directions. As well as being responsible, honest, loyal and how to make good choices. We talk about helping others, being a caring individual, being a good friend, staying safe and most importantly how to love themselves as individuals.

At Kanata Academy, there is a strong focus on literacy skills as literacy is the centre of all learning. Students learn sounds, consonants, vowels and blends. They learn to sound out words, read sight words and short sentences. Students also learn the correct way to print letters, words and sentences. The literacy program is individualized for each student allowing them to reach their full potential. Some students come to us in junior kindergarten not knowing any letters or sounds while others can read. We accommodate these differences so that no child is pushed too hard and yet no child is held back. Our goal is for all students to leave the Kindergarten program knowing how to read. This is a huge advantage for our students when entering grade one.

In Mathematics, a variety of concepts are introduced to our students. We start the year with patterning, sorting and numbers. Then we move on to more advanced skills such as addition, subtraction, estimation, data management, geometry, symmetry, fractions, time and money. Using manipulatives to create a hands on approach, along with pencil to paper work, students get a basic understanding for each of these skills. The math program is also individualized for each student allowing everyone to reach their full potential.

In Science, students are taught using age-appropriate interactive activities. They are encouraged to create, observe, describe, investigate and experiment. Students learn through both independent exploration as well as direct instructions. Some of the topics we explore together are weather, seasons, living and non-living things, fossils, bones, magnets, hibernation, five senses, simple machines, life cycles, the solar system, as well as sinking and floating.

In Social Studies, the focus is on individuals, families, friends, communities and the world around us. Students learn their phone number, and where they live. They learn about their community, city, province and country, as well as other countries in the world. We talk specifically about each family so that students can understand and appreciate the different kinds of families that exist and how all families are unique and special.

In Physical Education, we start the year with basic skills such as sportsmanship, team games and ball skills. Then, each month students are introduced to a new sport. These sports include soccer, basketball, hockey, dance, gymnastics, badminton, tennis and softball. Students are taught basic skills that go along with each sport and at the end of the month they participate in an organized game of the sport they have just learned. Kindergarten students also participate in our Learn to Skate Program once a week in January and our Learn to Ski Program in February.

The Arts in kindergarten are always a favourite for many students. We perform in our annual school wide Christmas concert and our End of Year concert. We also put on a show/concert for families on Valentines Day. These shows develop public speaking skills, confidence and include singing as well as acting. In terms of Visual Arts, students are encouraged to be creative with materials during their free art time. They use many different skills creating projects based on the holidays or themes of the month. Each month students learn all about a different famous artist and then recreate a piece of art work or use a specific technique that the artist was famous for.

Every child should be given the best possible opportunity to learn, grow and succeed at school. We believe that the kindergarten program at Kanata Academy will do just that.