WhatStudentsLearninKindergartenInstruction in kindergarten is focused on developing foundational skills that prepare A primary focus students for later learning in the all content areas, including English language arts. of language arts Students who learn to read in kindergarten through grade three will be able to read to instruction in learn in later grades. A primary focus of language arts instruction in kindergarten is kindergarten is helping students make sense of the alphabet and its role in reading. It is critical that helping students students develop phonological awareness so they can move on to decoding words; yet make sense of the reading in kindergarten is not merely decoding words. In kindergarten, students learn alphabet and its beginning skills to comprehend and analyze what they are reading. role in reading. Kindergarten students begin to develop writing skills by using a combination of
drawing, dictation, and writing to express opinions, relate an event, or provide information. With guidance and
support from adults, they learn to use digital tools to produce and publish writings. Kindergarten students
develop skills in speaking and listening through discussions with peers and adults. In both writing and speaking,
students learn the conventions of English.
Students also have to understand and use academic language to succeed in school. Academic language
refers to the language of literacy and books, tests, and formal writing. It can be words or phrases that apply to
specific content areas or that are used to express abstract concepts or feelings. In kindergarten, students learn
academic language in context while reading, writing, listening, and engaging in discussions about books and
grade-level topics.