JR. KINDERGARTEN
CURRICULUM

GREAT FIRST EIGHT

What Is Great First Eight?

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Great First Eight (GF8) is a comprehensive, research- and standards-aligned curriculum designed to support the whole child. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, GF8 intentionally integrates literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social-emotional learning, physical development, the arts, and approaches to learning through meaningful, hands-on, project-based experiences.

Units

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Great First Eight provides young learners with a strong foundation for success in school and beyond. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, children build early skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social-emotional learning, and learning behaviors.

Children are encouraged to wonder, explore, play, create, communicate, and solve problems while developing important skills such as independence, self-regulation, collaboration, and perseverance. The curriculum recognizes that young children learn best through meaningful experiences and supports the development of the whole child.

Families can expect their child to grow in confidence, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten while building the academic and social skills they need for a successful start to their school journey.

Unit 1: Constructing Our Classroom Community
Unit 2: Ramp It Up
Unit 3: Farm to Table
Unit 4: Teaching Time
Unit 5: Overcoming Obstacles
Unit 6: Nature in Our Neighborhood
Unit 7: Sharing Memories, Creating Stories

Sample Day

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Connect and Launch
Community Gathering
Project-Based Centers, Round 1 & Meet with the Teacher
Word Wonders
Move It! Move It!
Math Marvels
Lunch & Recess
Rest/Quiet Time
Special Area Class (PE, STEAM, Music, and Art)
Read Aloud
Recess
Project-Based Centers, Round 1 & Meet with the Teacher
Clean Up & Peace Out

At Home

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Families play an important role in helping children build the skills they need for school success. You can support your child at home by:

  • Read together every day: Talk about the pictures, ask questions, and let your child retell the story.
  • Talk, talk, talk!: Have conversations, introduce new words, and encourage your child to explain their thinking.
  • Practice counting naturally: Count toys, steps, snacks, or objects around the house.
  • Encourage independence: Give your child opportunities to dress themselves, clean up, make choices, and take care of their belongings.
  • Let them play and explore: Build, draw, pretend, create, sort, and investigate together.
  • Practice social-emotional skills: Help your child name feelings, solve problems, take turns, and use words to communicate.
  • Encourage perseverance: When something is challenging, encourage your child to keep trying and celebrate their effort.
  • Ask questions and be curious together: Try questions like, “What do you notice?” “What do you think will happen?” and “How could we figure that out?”
  • Build routines: Consistent routines for bedtime, getting ready, meals, and school help children feel confident and prepared.

Most importantly, make learning joyful! Everyday moments like reading a book, cooking together, playing outside, talking in the car, or solving a problem. These are great opportunities for your child to learn and grow!

SPECIAL AREA CLASSES

Physical Education

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Physical Education is an important part of every student’s FHPS educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through regular participation in physical activity, students develop movement skills, build healthy habits, strengthen social-emotional skills, and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Research shows that physical activity supports overall academic success by improving focus, memory, problem-solving, and learning. Our Physical Education special area class provides opportunities for all students to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead active, healthy lifestyles while supporting their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.

  • Demonstrates competency in basic locomotor movements (e.g., hopping, running, shuffling, galloping)
  • Moves safely in personal and general space
  • Actively participates in physical activities that promote enjoyment and movement

Music

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Music is an important part of every student’s educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through singing, performing, listening, creating, and responding to music, students develop musical skills, creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for diverse musical traditions and cultures. Music education supports the development of collaboration, discipline, perseverance, and confidence while strengthening listening, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Research shows that participation in music can enhance cognitive development, memory, and academic learning. Our music special area class provides opportunities for all students to explore and experience music in meaningful ways, supporting their artistic, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

  • Uses a singing voice
  • Echoes short rhythm patterns
  • Follows classroom rules and routines
  • Persists in tasks

Art

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Art is an important part of every student’s educational experience in grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Through creating, exploring, and responding to art, students develop creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. Students learn artistic techniques, use a variety of materials and tools, and build an understanding of artistic concepts while exploring diverse cultures, perspectives, and forms of artistic expression. Art education encourages imagination, perseverance, and confidence while helping students communicate ideas and emotions in meaningful ways. Our art special area class supports the development of the whole child by fostering creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for the arts as an essential part of lifelong learning.

  • Explores different art tools and materials within classroom expectations