The Wisconsin School district standards, state statutes, 121.02(1), define subject areas that should be addressed at each grade level. The statutes do not specify the amount of time needed to address these areas. Best practices for early learners is to utilize an integrated and developmentally appropriate curriculum (not a curriculum taught by subject area) that incorporates the concepts from the required subject areas.
Kindergarten (4K and 5K) Grade Level Subjects
Reading
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Health
Physical Education
Art and Music
Additional Guidance
To implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, subject areas may be incorporated in the following ways:
- Reading and language arts should be approximately 30 percent of the curriculum.
- Math, social studies, science, health, physical education, art, and music should be approximately 10 percent each of the teacher directed curriculum activities.
- Physical education, art, and music can be completely integrated into the curriculum under the direction of a teacher licensed in that subject area or it can be taught directly by a teacher licensed in that subject area.
- Environmental education and computer literacy should also be integrated into other subject areas.
- Up to one-third of each day may be in student self-directed activities.
- Allowing children to sleep or nap is not required. However, especially in full day programs, rest or quiet time should be provided. This may include relaxation, quiet reading, or other appropriate activities.