A Day in theLife of aKindergartner

What will you find atWheaton Christian Grammar School?

We’re often asked what makes our Kindergarten so special, and that’s a question we love to answer! Since 1942, families have trusted us to provide a solid, Christ-centered start to their child’s school experience. With an accredited program, well-qualified and nurturing teachers, an exceptional campus, and a challenging curriculum, it’s no wonder that we have a reputation that extends beyond our local community. Each year we have the joy of welcoming a good number of alumni who return to enroll their own children. That’s gratifying!

Traditional and innovative liveside by side

What do you remember about your Kindergarten experience? Perhaps you recall the wonder of reading, the thrill of seeing a butterfly hatch, the way that clay felt in your hand, the day it was your turn for Show and Tell, the friends you made on the playground, or a kind teacher who helped you understand something that once seemed difficult. You will find all of that at Wheaton Christian Grammar School, along with today’s very best practices in teaching and leading-edge technology.

At Wheaton Christian Grammar School, a variety of experiences will come to life for your child. Boys and girls will find a school experience where a biblical worldview is front and center, and where all of learning is understood within the framework of a Christ-centered approach.

Each day begins with a warm welcome from our caring teachers. Whether enrolled in our full-day or half-day program, students will start the day with an organized approach to learning that will provide a solid foundation for future academic success.

Our goal is to teach the whole child – spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We use a theme-based curriculum consisting of Bible, language, phonics, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Our approach includes activities performed individually as well as small and large group interaction with stories and experiences.

“I just wanted to thank you for such a great kindergarten year for our son! We have seen him grow physically, academically, emotionally, but most of all spiritually! He has learned so much this year. He is excited to learn and that is a testament of your teaching and patience. He has grown exponentially in his knowledge of our Lord and Savior. His faith is apparent in his daily prayers and discussions about the Bible. We thank you for supporting and guiding him in his journey. We feel so blessed to have our son at Wheaton Christian.”

There’s a thoughtful order and rhythm to the day that begins with opening activities. And yes, we do pledge allegiance to the flag and pray to start our day at WCGS!

Our half-day program runs from 8:50 a.m. to noon, while the full-day program extends to 3:25 p.m. While the schedule varies between the two programs, both provide the same basic curriculum for handwriting, language, reading, math, art, social studies, science, music, computer, gym, and library.

Friday parent helpers and periodic field trips add enjoyable variety to what is already a rich and diverse weekly schedule. There is energy and enthusiasm here that’s contagious!

At Wheaton Christian Grammar School 100% of last year’s students completed their kindergarten year at or above grade level in reading based on the 2015 TerraNova 3 test scores. With the rich exposure to print and the consistent instruction in phonics, most students will begin reading at some level in kindergarten.

A typical schedule for a half-day student could include:• Opening activities with pledges and prayer• Calendar, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, and

Handwriting• Literacy Work Stations, Shared Reading, and Writing• Computer, Library, Gym• Recess and snack• Bible• Science, Social Studies• Music• Math• Wrap-up and a blessing!

Kindergarten is a

time of discovery,

socialization, language

development, body

image awareness,

and excitement about

learning. WCGS lays

a strong foundation

in preparing the child

for a successful

school career.

We pack a lot into every day!

We want every child to be eager to come to school!

Whether it’s preparing for a large-scale musical event with a Christian message, rehearsing for their role in a special program for parents, attending chapel with the “bigger kids,” enjoying the team camaraderie on Field Day, or donating their Build-a-Bear projects to needy kids, our Kindergarten students are reminded that they are an important part of the school family at Wheaton Christian Grammar School.

Our program is rich with stimulating learning.

While the nuts and bolts of our curriculum may look a lot like what you learned in school, there are some significant differences. Today’s students are generally “digital natives,” far more comfortable than even their millennial parents with many aspects of technology. Computer class is a weekly element of the curriculum, but technology is part of the normal experience for students each day.

Sample schedule for a full-day student:

• Opening activities with pledges and prayer

• Calendar, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, and Handwriting

• Literacy Work Stations, Shared Reading, and Writing

• Recess/Snack

• Bible

• Art, Gym

• Lunch and Recess

• Reading and resting

• Math, Art, Social Studies, and Science Work Stations

• Math

• Music

• Recess/Snack

• Science, Social Studies, Writing

• Wrap-up and a prayer!

Good to know:Our Kindergarten students have weekly Bible memory verses.

Relationships are important here.

We appreciate and benefit from technology…

but nothing can replace the attention of caring teachers who make a difference in student lives!

Curriculum matters.

In Language Arts, students participate in print-rich activities, journaling, author and genre studies, writing, and much more. Phonemic awareness and reading skills are developed. Manipulative tools enhance the learning of letter sounds, letter, formation, isolated phonemes, blending, and language development.

Math concepts include positioning and sorting, graphing and patterns, understanding and using numbers through 31, measurement, time and money, solids, plane shapes, parts and wholes, number relationships, addition and subtraction sentences, counting to 100, and skip counting.

Science content includes animal classification, habitats, movements and life cycle, plants, earth, land and air, weather and seasons, physical properties, and water properties and actions.

Social Studies content covers aspects of culture, physical characteristics of neighborhoods, cities, countries and Earth, overview of government, citizenship, rudimentary economic relationships, time sequences, inventions, and contributions of historical figures.

More details about our curriculum can be found in

our Kindergarten Handbook.

What’s the best way to experience a day in the life of a WCGS Kindergartner?

Our Drop In and Learn More events each Tuesday morning provide a refreshing glimpse of the difference our Christ-centered program provides.

You’ll find small class sizes, teachers who are creative and caring, a challenging curriculum, an environment that is bright and cheerful, and parents who are regularly welcomed for classroom activities.

Our mission of educating, training, and nurturing students for godliness and excellence begins with our youngest students as they enter Kindergarten. The program strives to develop a child’s growing awareness of God as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior. Prayer, a respect for a regular use of the Bible, and ongoing reference to God’s work in their daily lives are integrated across all curriculum areas.

We’re frequently asked about our position on Common Core State Standards. We have not adopted CCSS. The educational program and curriculum at WCGS is already aligned to strong national academic standards generated by the educational leaders at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

WCGS is committed to the regular and rigorous evaluation of educational programs, standards and curriculum, and will make decisions in these areas based on our own mission and values.

We urge parents to make an appointment to visit us and learn why Wheaton Christian Grammar has led the way in Christ-centered education in the western suburbs of Chicago since 1942.

Wheaton Christian Grammar SchoolWhere faith inspires learning!

www.wheatonchristian.org630.668.1385

Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)Accredited by AdvancED (NCA CASI)Full Non-public School Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education

Educating, training, and nurturing students for godliness and excellence since 1942

1N350 Taylor Drive | Winfield, IL 60190© 2016 Wheaton Christian Grammar School