Kindergarten at Friends School Haverford

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone in a child’s educational journey, full of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. At Friends School Haverford, we believe that this early stage of learning should be a time where students can grow both academically and socially in a supportive, nurturing environment. Through imaginative play, hands-on activities, and engaging conversations, our kindergarteners begin to understand themselves, their peers, and the world around them. It’s a time of exploration, experimentation, and foundation-building, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.

Social and Emotional Learning: Building Strong Foundations

In kindergarten, children begin to develop stronger social connections and learn how to express their feelings and understand those of others. This emotional development is essential to their success in school and life. At Friends School Haverford, we integrate two key frameworks for social and emotional growth: the Zones of Regulation and Responsive Classroom curricula. These approaches help children recognize and regulate their emotions, navigate friendships, and problem-solve in a positive way.

By learning to appreciate and manage their feelings, students are better equipped to make friends, be kind to others, and build emotional resilience. These skills set the stage for a happy, fulfilling school experience and help our students grow into empathetic, thoughtful individuals.

Language and Literacy Development: Fostering a Love of Reading and Writing

Literacy is at the heart of our kindergarten program. From the very beginning, we aim to spark a love of reading and writing by weaving language development throughout the day. Using a research-based approach, we guide students as they explore the world of words, sounds, and letters. The Fundations curriculum lays the foundation for phonics, phonemic awareness, and handwriting, while small group guided reading sessions give students personalized attention to meet their individual learning needs.

In addition to phonics and reading, kindergarten students are introduced to the process of writing. They engage in meaningful writing opportunities—creating books, writing letters, recording scientific observations, and telling stories. Students learn not just how to write, but how to express themselves and share their ideas with the world. By experiencing what it means to be an author, they develop a deeper understanding of the importance of written communication.

Mathematical Thinking and Expression: Building Problem-Solving Skills

Kindergarten is a time when students naturally develop an understanding of numbers and how they relate to the world around them. At Friends School Haverford, we use the Math in Focus curriculum to introduce students to math in a hands-on, multisensory way. Students explore numbers, patterns, shapes, and basic arithmetic in real-world contexts, from classroom activities to outdoor play and even in the arts.

Our goal is not just for students to memorize facts, but to see themselves as problem solvers who can use math to understand and explain the world. Whether it’s measuring the height of a tree on the playground or counting the number of steps to the next activity, kindergarten math is about discovering the relevance of numbers in everyday life.

Social Studies: Understanding Ourselves and Our World

In kindergarten, social studies is a critical part of the curriculum, helping children explore who they are and how they fit into the world. Students learn about their own identities, cultures, and values, as well as how to be positive, caring members of their communities. Teachers provide opportunities for children to examine topics such as fairness, equity, and leadership in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

As students begin to think about their place in the world, they also start exploring concepts like needs versus wants and using tools like maps and graphs to make sense of their surroundings. These lessons encourage curiosity and critical thinking, which lay the foundation for deeper learning in the years to come.

Scientific Thinking, Exploration, and Discovery: Hands-On Learning Outdoors

One of the most exciting aspects of kindergarten at Friends School Haverford is the emphasis on outdoor exploration and scientific discovery. We believe that time spent outdoors is essential for sparking curiosity and promoting problem-solving skills. Through hands-on activities, children experiment, ask questions, and discover the natural world.

“What is it?” “What do you think it is?” “Why is it here?” These are the kinds of questions that encourage children to think critically about their surroundings. By exploring and investigating the world, students build the skills necessary for scientific inquiry and develop a deep appreciation for the environment.

A Holistic Approach to Learning

At Friends School Haverford, kindergarten is not just about academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. By blending social, emotional, and academic growth, we provide a comprehensive educational experience that helps students grow into well-rounded, confident, and curious learners.

As they explore, create, and discover, our kindergarteners build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. We are proud to support each child as they begin this exciting journey, setting them on the path to success in the years ahead. Visit us today at www.friendshaverford.org.