Grade Level Overview: Kindergarten

Speaking, reading, writing, and listening are taught in a language-rich environment and are integrated into all areas of our curriculum.  Reading and writing are taught in a workshop format, where children learn strategies and are given opportunities to practice independently and with partners.  Teachers confer with students to address individual reading and writing needs.   Students participate in literacy activities that support phonics, vocabulary, spelling, and handwriting development. 

The kindergarten mathematics Earlybird Math curriculum is based on Common Core standards that build a strong foundation in mathematics through fun-filled lessons and activities. The skills and knowledge learned in kindergarten prepare students for success in grade one and beyond. In addition to the Earlybird program, classroom teachers have access to a wide variety of supplemental materials in order to meet the individual needs of every student.  

The social studies curriculum at Taipei American School is aligned with standards and benchmarks designed to explore the central themes of Culture, People, Places & Environments, Identity, and Global Connections. Students are involved in activities structured to help them understand how to be responsible members of a classroom community and beyond. 

The purpose of science and engineering (STEAM) in kindergarten is to encourage and empower students to pursue their innate curiosity while building a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and experience. Students learn scientific and engineering  processes through hands-on activities and investigations. 

Students paint, make collages, and create sculptural work. The art teachers guide students to handle tools and materials in a safe, responsible, and skillful manner. Children learn a variety of art terms and concepts, so that they can communicate their ideas in visual form.  Natural curiosity and the desire to explore are the basis for our specifically designed two- and three-dimensional projects. 

Experiences in kindergarten include instruction in creating, performing, listening to, and analyzing music. Through singing, movement, playing instruments, and composing, our students can express themselves creatively. In addition to music classes, all kindergarten children and their teachers sing together at a weekly kindergarten sing-along.

The lower school Mandarin program is committed to developing students’ Chinese language proficiency and deepening their appreciation for Chinese culture.

There are two tracks in the program, and different courses are offered in both tracks, based on students’ language proficiency levels, designed to meet students’ abilities and needs. In Grade 1, introductory, bridging, and grade level courses are offered.

The Mandarin Learner Track is for students who study Mandarin as a second language. The goal is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency as a tool for meeting age-appropriate functional and informational needs. As the students gain oral skills, they begin to read and write, which sets them on a course for more advanced Mandarin language study. Students in the Learner Track use Pinyin, a Romanization system, to help them learn to read and write traditional Chinese characters.

The Mandarin Heritage Track is for students whose first language or strong additional language is Mandarin. The goal is to develop and enhance students’ overall language proficiency while focusing on reading and writing to build a solid foundation in literacy skills. Students in the Heritage Track use Zhuyin, Bopomofo Phonetic Symbols, to help them learn to read and write traditional Chinese characters.

The lower school physical education program at Taipei American School is designed to develop the well-being of the whole child.  Through a diversified curriculum, student mental and physical health is promoted.  The program gives children a background of knowledge and experiences to develop a lifetime of health and wellness.  In physical education, kindergarten students participate in lessons focused on movement, fitness, aquatics, and personal and social development.