Math is a core subject taught in kindergarten. Children learn how to sort and identify objects using short descriptions; count aloud to 100 by ones, fives and tens; count sequentially beginning with a random number; identify patterns and shapes; tell the time in whole numbers; count coins; and determine whether the number of one group is greater, equal to or less than the number of another group.
English language arts in kindergarten encompasses word recognition, reading comprehension and writing. For comprehension, students learn to answers questions about stories, retell details of a story and put events from a story in chronological order; they learn to identify major characters and settings where stories take place. They also learn how to identify the letters of the alphabet, recognize words that rhyme and the names of colors, shapes and pictures.
In kindergarten, students learn how to write the letters of the alphabet and their first and last names. Through simple exercises, students learn how to write short sentences that describe an object or a person, compose words using the correct posture and refine the process of writing from left to right. Students also learn how to combine writing with reading by reading their words and sentences aloud.
Kindergarten students learn how to listen to a teacher's instructions and follow them. They also learn how to listen while other students are speaking and wait until they are finished before beginning to talk. To improve recall and understanding, teachers read sentences aloud to students and ask them to repeat what they heard. Students are encouraged to ask for help with words or sentences they do not understand to improve their ability to express thoughts and ideas.