A kindergarten student will learn how a book is organized and how the pictures relate to the words. He will be introduced to all the letters and their sounds, and begin blending small words. He will learn to identify main characters, plot and theme in a story. Focus will also be on writing, using phonemic awareness and sight word recognition and spelling.
A kindergarten student will be introduced to ordering numbers, counting, sorting, measuring for length and width, and how to make a plan to solve a problem. She will also begin to add and subtract basic numbers.
The main purpose of social studies in kindergarten is to create "historical empathy for how people lived and worked long ago, reinforcing the concept of civic behavior: how we interact respectfully with each other, following rules, and respecting the rights of others." A kindergarten student will be taught how to be a good citizen, in the classroom and community, and will talk about the symbols and holidays of the United States.
A kindergarten teacher will discuss the earth and its components; air, land and sea. Focus is also on the animals and plants that inhabit the earth. The student will learn very basic knowledge of the scientific method and will learn how science is investigative in nature. She will also study the basic difference between a solid, liquid and gas, and be able to describe physical properties of materials.
In kindergarten, the student will learn how to work together without arguing, to share, to wait to be called on, to line up appropriately, to use kind words with others and will use teacher assisted conflict resolution. According to Ellen Booth Church of scholastic.com, most kindergarten teachers spend the first month of so just on social skills, preparing the students to learn more effectively. She names four 'C's' of social skills. "Confidence, cooperation, curiosity, and communication" practice will help students prepare for learning.