Franklin Road Christian School kindergarten provides a relaxed and caring environment for the creation of life-long learners. Students are involved in the learning process through a hands-on approach. The classroom is a dynamic balance between academic learning and exciting exploration. Our full-day kindergarten exemplifies the original vision of the "garden" of the young child, full of wonder, play, and the miracle of learning.

Core curriculum subjects are integrated throughout Bible, the arts, and science. Weekly thematic letter studies might find children wearing pajamas while eating pink and purple pancakes, "taking off" in a space shuttle, dissecting a fish, "blowing up" a volcano, or building Bethlehem right in the classroom. Field trips to enhance curriculum include the Detroit Zoo, Erwin's Apple Orchard, and other places to correlate with unit themes.

Language arts activities revolve around a phonics-based curriculum that is coupled with rich literacy activities. Children are usually reading by mid-year.

Literacy activities include:

• Journal writing
• Big books and trade books
• Poetry
• Drama
• Letter-sound activities
• Individualized spelling
• Computers
• Centers

The curriculum is also enhanced with specials such as Spanish, Art, Physical Education, Music and Library.

Numerical concepts include the basics of higher-level mathematical understanding through real-life experiences. Children enjoy using manipulatives to discover number recognition and value, measurement, time, money, addition and subtraction. Utilizing a class grocery store, restaurant, or post office provides the integration of money, reading and writing skills.

The Bible provides the text for life. Educating children to love the Lord and learn from His ways is of paramount importance at FRCS kindergarten. The faith of a young child is cherished and nurtured while discovering the lessons of our Father. The bible comes alive as students use drama and projects. Character development is also important, focusing on honesty, kindness and love for others.

Kindergarten includes parents as partners in the child's education. They are often involved with classroom activities. Workshops for kindergarten parents have covered topics such as reading, writing, math, spelling, learning styles, and discipline.

Our kindergarten is a full day program. This builds a solid academic foundation for elementary school while providing enough time for purposeful play. The longer time period creates the opportunity for many exciting, in-depth thematic explorations. A typical day might look like the following:

Morning
Prayer
Bible
Language Arts Block (reading, journaling, phonics, handwriting)
Snack
Math
Clean up, break, story

Afternoon
Lunch
Recess
Rest
Individual Studies
Science/Social Studies
Clean up
Prayer

Kindergarten graduation is a special day at the end of the year. The children, wearing their caps and gowns, present a program proudly demonstrating their new skills, knowledge, and testimony to the Lord's goodness. It is a wonderful end to an exciting first year of school