At DDES, we use the Expeditionary Learning (EL) model to support the learning of our students. In kindergarten, our teachers embrace the characteristics of primary learners to make academic and social-emotional lessons engaging, meaningful, and fun.
A Day in the Life of a DDES Kindergartner
Wonder what kindergarteners are doing all day at school at DDES? Check out our sample schedule to see what life is like in our Crews.
7:45-7:55:
Drop off
This is our drop-off window for kindergarten students. Parents can drive through to drop off students. Staff will help unload students and escort them into the building.
8:00-8:40:
Crew
We are ready to begin our day together. We gather each morning to learn about our character traits (Ways of the Blue Bear) and build social-emotional skills. Through initiatives, high-quality texts and discussion, we are able to learn these skills in a concrete and meaningful way. We continue to practice and incorporate these habits throughout our day.
8:40-9:10:
Expedition
During expedition, you will see many engaged and excited scientists. Our studies this year will have us researching different kinds of insects in a variety of ways. Be on the lookout for new insects appearing in our classroom throughout the year!
9:20-9:55:
Writing Workshop
We are ready to dive into writing! We begin with a mini lesson to give our learning a focus and then head off to write independently. During this time, you might see students spread all over the classroom and hear quiet music playing. We come back together to share our work and give our peers feedback based on our learning target. In kindergarten, we write persuasive letters, personal narratives, and answer questions related to a non-fiction topic.
9:55-10:25:
Math Problem Solving
This consists of CGI math, which stands for Cognitive Guided Instruction. It’s a time for students to think critically, take risks, and share their learning.
10:25-10:40:
Recess #1
Time to run and move! We play on the playground and in the gym for recess and love this time to interact with each other.
10:40-11:05:
Lunch
All this learning has us hungry! We eat lunch in our classroom and enjoy this time with our Crew. Students are encouraged to chat with their tablemates, and then the last two minutes of our lunch is silent.
11:05-11:20:
Solitude
Students are supported to participate in regulatory activities during solitude and reflection each day.
11:20-12:10:
Literacy Skills
During this time of day, we work both as a whole Crew and in small groups to build foundational skills for reading and writing. Students are placed in flexible groups based on assessment data to support targeted skills. Our support staff pulls groups for instruction, while other students practice with word games and sorts, reading and writing activities.
12:10-12:55:
Math Block
We begin with a number talk or other fluency game/movement to help our minds build fluency and concepts around numbers. Following this, we dive into grapple problems with tools and whiteboards. Our math is hands-on so you might see us using blocks, cubes, or counters to explore problem-solving skills. We end with journal problems or exit tickets and a debrief to solidify our learning.
12:55-1:15:
Recess #2
Time to run and move! We play on the playground and in the gym for recess and love this time to interact with each other. We spend this time with the other kindergarten Crew.
1:15-2:00:
Specials
In Creation Lab and Movement, students build collaboration and imagination, along with fine and gross motor skills. This is definitely a highlight of our day!
2:00-2:15:
Read-aloud & Snack
Time for a break! We enjoy snacks as a Crew while listening to a read aloud and working on literacy skills such as rhyming, comprehension, identifying characters, setting, and plot as well as answering text dependent questions and learning new vocab.
2:15-2:35:
Choice
Time to play! During this time, students are engaged in play with purpose: building, crafting, exploring or imagining. This is the perfect time to practice social interactions with support from teachers, explore topics of interest, and most importantly, have fun!
2:35-2:50:
Closing Circle & Pack Up
We end our day together in circle to reflect, celebrate our friends, discuss our favorite parts of the day, and say good-bye.