The way things work
Applied Sciences and Mathematics
Learning Domains:
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Technology
Kindergarten
Ages 5 and 6
Discover the world through meaningful play experiences with our programs for novice seafarers
Our Kindergarten Program is characterized by:
A Nurturing Ennvironment
A nurturing environment allows children to develop meaningful relationships with their teachers, peers, DAI families and other members of the school community.
Love of Learning
Play-based, interest-driven and inquiry-led education foster curiosity and a love of learning, which are key in raising lifelong learners.
Purposeful Use of Technology
The purposeful use of technology and everyday materials stimulate the mind, engage the senses and empower children as makers. Children come to develop a nuanced understanding of the possibilities of materials, the affordances of technology and their role as creators.
Academic Rigor
Academic rigor and the constant pursuit of excellence equip young children with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for school readiness and success.
Children as Innovators
A focus on designing, building and inventing empowers young children as innovators, helping them understand that their ideas are valued and can be realized with time, effort and perseverance.
Future Changemakers
Situated learning environments provide opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, transforming the world into a learning resource and testing ground for their ideas and innovations. Children come to understand that their ideas and creations have the power to make a difference in the world.
A Trajectory of Learning and Engagement
The school year for Kindergarteners is divided into quarters. Each quarter is defined by the following learning experiences:
Daily Modules
Each day consists of an hour of self-directed or minimally guided station-by-station play.
These play experiences are designed around a particular unit of inquiry (Example: Exploring the people in my neighborhood) and are aligned with a particular integrated domain (Example: Once Upon a Time, Integrated Humanities and Social Studies).
Each day likewise consists of an hour and a half of structured class or lab time. Class time and lab time are meant to reinforce learning from station by station play. Class time and lab time are likewise aligned with a particular unit of inquiry and integrated domain.
Adventures in Discovery
Adventures in Discovery are weeklong or two-weeklong learning experiences, comprised of Daily Modules, and organized around a particular unit of inquiry. These allow students to explore concepts (for example, light) using different approaches, methods and ways of knowing (light from the perspective of science, art, technology - even literature).
Skill Building Missions
Missions consist of progressively difficult and complex tasks that allow for deeper learning, enhanced skill-building and content mastery. Missions may involve creating a Mars rover (Science), producing their own news show with handmade puppets (Filipino Language Arts and Current Events) or creating life size geometric sculptures (Math and Art education).
Project-Based & Performance-Based Assessments
The last two weeks of each term is dedicated to assessments. While formative assessments are present throughout the year, end of term assessments involve large-scale projects that demonstrates mastery and provides opportunities for students to reflect on their learning experience.
The Integrated Domains of Knowledge: School "Subjects"
Kindergarteners are given opportunities to explore concepts utilizing the different ways of knowing.
The integrated domains at the Discovery Academy of Innovation are as follows:
The School Schedule Explained
Homeroom
Our Kindergarteners kick off their day with their advisory class. Attendance is checked, announcements are made, kids learn about the weather and the day of the week. During this time, teachers, puppets and even animated characters present kids with the unit of inquiry for the week.
Kindergarten Schedule
| Time | Class |
|---|---|
| 8:00-8:10 | Hello! |
| 8:10-9:10 | Exploration Stations |
| 9:10-9:30 | Snack Time! |
| 9:30-9:40 | Huddle Up! |
| 9:40-11:00 | Tinker Studio! |
| 11:00-11:40 | Playground Time! |
| 11:40-12:00 | Good Bye! |