Stacy Ducharme
- kindergarten
- theater
Kindergarten
They know a lot more than they think they do. We show them how to apply those skills to their life and real life situations— things that mean something to them. When they figure it out, they go, 'Oh my gosh! Right! AHA!' We get to see that ten times a day."
- Darcy Petrie,
Kindergarten teacher
Each trimester, our expert Kindergarten teachers build upon the students’ maturation and self-confidence as learners.
- They observe students’ growth and interests to inform choice and direction in curriculum.
- They support the mastering of academic skills and conceptual understanding in Kindergartners—this promotes intrinsic motivation for children and keeps them excited about learning.
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Kindergarten News
Kindergartners Put Icing on the Cross-Curricular Gingerbread Project with S.T.E.A.M. Boat Experiment
Stacy Ducharme
There is no time when the quality of education is more important and has more impact on your child's life than in the "magic years" of early education. A child's disposition toward learning is established by age 12 and stays with them for life. The Far Hills Kindergarten program is designed to create an optimal environment for children that supports, encourages, develops, and extends each child's curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion.
At Far Hills, Kindergarten serves as the bridge between the emergent curriculum and readiness skills of PreK and the foundational skills necessary for continued success and independence. We provide balance between honoring students’ individual interests and a developmentally appropriate introduction to the Lower School curriculum by conducting studies as a whole group, small group and 1:1 lessons.
Far Hills honors the unique age of Kindergarten students and their gradual transition into a formal learning environment by focusing on social emotional skills, helping students to understand what it means to be part of a learning community, and assisting them in developing the mindset of a learner. They problem solve using the Design Thinking Method and experience what it means to be resilient and persevere through challenges. Mid-year, home-school connection activities begin. These activities help to build independent learning, as well as reinforce learning at home.
Far Hills is a great community that supports children and their families as they grow throughout Lower School and into Upper School. I love tracking my students' growth as they mature socially and academically—seeing them share at Community Meeting, in talent shows, as Reading Buddies, in theater productions, as well as watching their interactions in the hallways and cafe. Our school size enables me to continue interacting with students informally beyond Kindergarten!
- Danielle L'Heureux, Kindergarten teacher
