Kindergarten Curriculum Standards — Trinity Lutheran School

Revised August 2026

Math

Trinity’s Philosophy of Mathematics

Mathematics is the orderly and systematic study of God’s world.

In developing conceptual understanding, students will begin to understand the order, structure, and intricacies God created with mathematics.

In developing number sense and fluency, students will identify and connect the foundation of faith with the foundation of mathematics.

Through the use of mathematical reasoning, students will be able to recognize that God created mathematics to explain patterns in the world.

While learning to problem solve, students will gain insight into the complexities of life.

Mathematical studies build essential life skills that enable students to effectively serve the Lord in the world that He created.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Mathematics, ensuring students build a strong mathematical foundation while developing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills.

Counting and Cardinality (K.CC)

Know Number Names and the Count Sequence

Count to 100 by ones.

Count to 100 by tens.

Count forward beginning from any given number within the known sequence.

Read and write numerals 0–20.

Represent quantities with written numerals.

Count to Tell the Number of Objects

Count objects using one-to-one correspondence.

Understand that the last number counted tells the total number of objects.

Count objects arranged in lines, arrays, circles, and scattered configurations.

Count up to 20 objects accurately.

Understand that each successive number represents one more.

Compare Numbers

Identify whether one group has greater than, less than, or the same number of objects as another.

Compare two written numerals between 1 and 10.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking (K.OA)

Understand Addition as Putting Together

Represent addition with objects, drawings, fingers, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.

Solve addition word problems within 10.

Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 into pairs.

Find the number needed to make 10.

Demonstrate fluency with addition within 5.

Understand Subtraction as Taking Apart

Represent subtraction using concrete objects and drawings.

Solve subtraction word problems within 10.

Model "take away" and "compare" situations.

Demonstrate fluency with subtraction within 5.

Number and Operations in Base Ten (K.NBT)

Work with Numbers 11–19

Compose and decompose numbers 11–19 into ten ones and additional ones.

Use place value models to represent teen numbers.

Recognize that teen numbers are made of one ten and some ones.

Measurement and Data (K.MD)

Describe and Compare Measurable Attributes

Describe measurable attributes including:

Length

Weight

Height

Compare two objects based on measurable attributes.

Classify Objects and Count Categories

Sort objects into categories.

Count the number of objects in each category.

Compare category groups.

Geometry (K.G)

Identify and Describe Shapes

Describe shapes using everyday language.

Identify shapes regardless of size or orientation.

Distinguish between two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures.

Students will identify:

Circle

Triangle

Square

Rectangle

Hexagon

Cube

Cone

Cylinder

Sphere

Analyze and Compare Shapes

Compare shapes based on attributes.

Identify similarities and differences among shapes.

Build and draw shapes.

Combine simple shapes to create larger shapes.

Kindergarten Math Fact Fluency Goals

Addition Doubles to 10

Add/Subtract within 5

Faith Integration

Mathematics provides opportunities for students to recognize God’s order, creativity, and wisdom throughout creation. As students explore numerical relationships, patterns, and problem-solving strategies, they develop perseverance, responsibility, and confidence in using the gifts God has given them.

Students are encouraged to approach mathematics with diligence and humility, recognizing that growth requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn. They use mathematical skills to make thoughtful decisions, solve problems, and serve others.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33

English Language Arts

Trinity’s Philosophy of English Language Arts

We believe that students learn English Language Arts best when they:

are empowered to apply their faith in interpreting and analyzing literature, and creating written work samples

learn from instruction that is research and evidence based

transfer reading and writing skills across all content areas

strive to accomplish learning goals are clear and specific, guided by writing and reading rubrics

persevere through struggle through modeling and scaffolding

engage in cohesive and differentiated learning experiences

see the real life application of their learning and are inspired to be lifelong learners who are invested in the world around them

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for English Language Arts, ensuring students build a strong foundation in literacy while developing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply literacy skills across all subject areas as they grow academically and spiritually.

Reading Foundational Skills (ELA.K.RF)

Print Concepts

Demonstrate understanding of how print is organized.

Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page.

Understand that spoken words are represented by written letters.

Recognize that words are separated by spaces.

Identify and name all uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

Phonological Awareness

Blend and segment syllables in spoken words.

Blend and segment onsets and rimes in one-syllable words.

Identify beginning, middle vowel, and ending sounds in simple words.

Blend and segment individual phonemes in single-syllable words.

Manipulate sounds by adding or substituting phonemes in simple CVC words.

Phonics and Word Recognition

Demonstrate one-to-one letter-sound correspondence.

Identify the primary sounds for consonants.

Recognize the common short and long vowel spellings.

Read common high-frequency words automatically.

Decode and encode consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words.

Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying differing sounds.

Reading Fluency

Read grade-level text with accuracy.

Read with appropriate rate and expression.

Demonstrate understanding of what they read.

Reading Literature (ELA.K.RL)

Ask and answer questions about stories.

Retell familiar stories, including key details.

Identify characters, settings, and major events.

Describe relationships between illustrations and the story.

Compare experiences of characters.

Actively participate in shared reading activities.

Reading Informational Text (ELA.K.RI)

Ask and answer questions about informational texts.

Identify the main topic and key details.

Describe connections between individuals, events, ideas, and information.

Identify text features that support understanding.

Compare and contrast information from multiple texts.

Participate in shared reading of informational texts.

Writing (ELA.K.W)

Text Types and Purposes

Use drawing, dictating, and writing to express ideas.

Compose opinion pieces.

Write informative texts.

Narrate a single event or sequence of events.

Production of Writing

Respond to questions and suggestions to strengthen writing.

Use digital tools with guidance to produce writing.

Research to Build Knowledge

Participate in shared research and writing projects.

Gather information from experiences and texts.

Recall information to answer questions or explain ideas.

Language (ELA.K.L)

Conventions of Standard English

Print uppercase and lowercase letters.

Use appropriate capitalization.

Recognize end punctuation.

Understand basic sentence structure.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context.

Sort objects into categories.

Describe familiar people, places, things, and events.

Use newly learned vocabulary in conversation and writing.

Speaking and Listening (ELA.K.SL)

Comprehension and Collaboration

Participate in collaborative conversations.

Follow agreed-upon discussion rules.

Listen attentively to others.

Ask and answer questions to clarify understanding.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with relevant details.

Speak audibly and express thoughts clearly.

Share ideas, experiences, and learning with others.

Kindergarten Literacy Benchmarks

By the end of Kindergarten, students should be able to:

Reading

Recognize all uppercase and lowercase letters.

Demonstrate consistent letter-sound correspondence.

Read common high-frequency words.

Decode and encode CVC words.

Read simple decodable texts with increasing fluency and comprehension.

Writing

Form uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.

Write simple words and complete sentences.

Use drawing and writing to communicate ideas, opinions, and stories.

Apply beginning capitalization and end punctuation.

Speaking & Listening

Participate respectfully in classroom discussions.

Ask and answer questions about texts and learning.

Retell stories and describe personal experiences using complete thoughts.

Language

Develop an expanding vocabulary.

Use standard English conventions appropriate for Kindergarten.

Apply newly learned vocabulary in speaking and writing.

Faith Integration

Language arts provides opportunities for students to recognize the power of words and communication as gifts from God. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students learn to listen carefully, speak truthfully, and use their words to encourage, serve, and build up others.

As students engage with literature and informational texts, they are encouraged to seek wisdom, practice discernment, and recognize God’s presence throughout His creation and the stories of His people.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Science

Trinity’s Philosophy of Science

We believe that students learn Science best when they:

engage in a curriculum that awakens wonder, inspires, and fascinates

practice skills to see and study the world of orderly creation

witness evidence of God’s design being unified with scientific knowledge and deepen their understanding of creation

view the subjects of their studies as an integrated whole

engage in opportunities to explore God’s world through many hands-on activities

partake in opportunities for critical thinking resulting in engaged, thoughtful learning

solve problems as part of the learning process

make informed decisions based on evidence

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which have been adopted as the Oregon Science Standards. Through three-dimensional learning, students develop scientific knowledge alongside science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, preparing them to think critically and solve real-world problems.

Physical Science (K-PS)

Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls

Observe how pushes and pulls affect the motion of objects.

Compare the effects of stronger and weaker pushes and pulls.

Observe how changing the direction of a push or pull changes an object's motion.

Design and test simple solutions to change an object's motion.

Use observations as evidence to explain how forces affect movement.

Energy

Observe that sunlight warms Earth's surface.

Compare surfaces exposed to sunlight with those in the shade.

Collect and communicate observations about heat from the Sun.

Life Science (K-LS)

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Observe that plants and animals have basic needs for survival.

Identify the resources living things need, including:

Water

Food

Sunlight

Shelter

Explain how plants and animals obtain what they need from their environment.

Observe that different plants and animals live in different places because their needs are met there.

Use observations to describe patterns in where organisms live.

Earth and Space Science (K-ESS)

Weather and Climate

Observe and describe daily weather conditions.

Compare weather from one day to another.

Identify common weather patterns throughout the year.

Use weather observations to describe seasonal changes.

Explain how weather forecasts help people prepare for changing conditions.

Ask questions and make observations about local weather.

Earth Systems

Observe how sunlight, wind, and precipitation affect the environment.

Describe patterns they notice in weather over time.

Recognize that weather changes from day to day.

Engineering Design (K-ETS)

Engineering Design

Ask questions to identify problems.

Develop simple solutions to everyday problems.

Draw or build models to represent ideas.

Test designs and observe results.

Improve designs based on observations.

Communicate how a design solves a problem.

Science and Engineering Practices

Throughout the year, students will learn to:

Ask questions about the world around them.

Plan and carry out simple investigations.

Make careful observations.

Collect and record information.

Use evidence to explain observations.

Construct simple models.

Communicate scientific ideas through speaking, drawing, writing, and building.

Work collaboratively to solve problems.

Faith Integration

Science provides opportunities for students to explore the wonder, complexity, and order of God’s creation. As students investigate the natural world, they develop curiosity, responsibility, and gratitude for the resources and living things God has entrusted to our care.

Students learn that scientific discovery is a way to appreciate God’s creativity and faithfulness. Through observation and investigation, they are encouraged to be thoughtful stewards of creation and use their knowledge to serve others.

"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

Social Studies

Trinity’s Philosophy of Social Studies

We believe that students learn Social Studies best when they:

see God’s presence in the world throughout time

connect to the relevance of social studies to their world

engage in multiple content formats

participate in civic engagement

collaborate with peers

are curious and seek new knowledge

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Social Science, providing students with opportunities to develop civic responsibility, historical thinking, geographic awareness, economic understanding, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. As a ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, all instruction is taught through the lens of God's Word. Therefore, some standards or instructional content may be modified, supplemented, or omitted when necessary to ensure consistency with the teachings of Scripture and the biblical values upheld by Trinity Lutheran School.

Civics

Identity, Roles, and Responsibilities

Recognize that every person is uniquely created by God and has individual gifts and characteristics.

Identify components of personal identity, including family, culture, traditions, and community.

Describe the roles and responsibilities of family members, classmates, teachers, and community helpers.

Demonstrate kindness, respect, responsibility, and cooperation within the classroom community.

Explain the purpose of rules and why they help keep people safe and build strong communities.

Identify the purpose of public schools and explain how schools help children learn and grow.

Civic Participation

Practice making responsible choices.

Participate respectfully in classroom discussions and activities.

Work cooperatively with others to solve problems.

Demonstrate good citizenship through service, responsibility, and respect.

History

Understanding the Past

Distinguish between the past, present, and future.

Compare life today with life long ago.

Identify traditions and customs within families and communities.

Recognize important holidays, celebrations, and commemorations.

Learn about influential historical figures and their contributions.

Create simple timelines showing events in their own lives.

Use sequencing words such as first, next, then, and last to describe events.

Geography

Understanding Places and Environments

Identify important places at home, school, and within the local community.

Describe the purpose of places within their community.

Use maps, photographs, and globes to represent places.

Use positional words such as:

Near

Left

Right

North

South

East

West

Describe how people interact with and care for the environment.

Identify examples of where people live, work, learn, and play.

Economics

Financial Literacy and Decision Making

Identify U.S. coins and paper money.

Explain that money is used to buy goods and services.

Differentiate between wants and needs.

Recognize that people work to earn money.

Identify jobs people have within the community.

Describe simple ways families make choices about spending and saving.

Faith Integration

Social studies provides opportunities for students to recognize God’s work throughout history and in the lives of people and communities. As students learn about families, cultures, governments, and societies, they are reminded that every person is created in God’s image and has value and purpose.

Students are encouraged to serve others, act responsibly, and use their gifts to contribute to their communities. Through the study of history and society, students develop compassion, respect, and a desire to be faithful neighbors.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31

Christian Studies

Trinity’s Philosophy of Christian Studies/Bible

Based on Lutheran Church Missouri Synod doctrine, our Theology Department promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Lutheran Confessions. In a shifting world, our commitment to the Biblical truth remains unyielding. We pray that through our guidance, students will confidently live out and share the Gospel in all areas of life.

We believe that students learn theology and faith practices best when they:

recognize their sin, their need for a savior, and that Christ is the only person who can forgive that sin (Law and Gospel).

make connections from the Bible to their own lives through discussions and relating the past to the present

differentiate between what the world says and what God’s Word says

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Religion Curriculum Standards for Lutheran Schools. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for developing biblical literacy, understanding Lutheran doctrine, fostering Christian character, and equipping students to live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Through the study of Scripture, the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions, prayer, worship, and Christian living, students grow in their relationship with God and their understanding of His grace and love revealed in Jesus Christ.

By the end of Kindergarten, students should be able to:

Bible Knowledge

Identify the Bible as God's Word.

Retell familiar Bible stories.

Recognize key biblical truths about God, creation, sin, and salvation.

Explain that Jesus is God's Son and our Savior.

Lutheran/Christian Beliefs

Recognize that God created and loves them.

Identify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Understand that God forgives sins through Jesus.

Recognize Baptism and Communion as gifts from God.

Worship

Participate respectfully in chapel and worship.

Identify basic parts of worship and the church building.

Participate in prayer, singing, and devotion activities.

Christian Living

Demonstrate kindness, forgiveness, and love toward others.

Recognize opportunities to serve others.

Understand that Christians show God's love through their words and actions.

Faith Sharing

Share simple truths about God and Jesus.

Recognize that they are called to love and serve their neighbors.

Understand that they are part of God's family.

Faith Integration

Christian Studies reminds students that they are deeply loved children of God, created in His image and redeemed through Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian living, students grow in faith and learn how God’s promises guide their lives.

Students are encouraged to share Christ’s love through their words and actions, serving others with humility and gratitude and recognizing that their lives are part of God’s greater story.

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Physical Education

Trinity’s Philosophy of Physical Education

We believe that students learn Physical Education best when they:

Have knowledge, skills and confidence to become and remain physically active for a lifetime.

See connection between motor skills and movements applied to sport

feel comfortable taking risks and experiencing the success and failure that PE has to offer

Use various strategies to solve problems in game play

Are socially literate to work with a variety of groups and teams

Engage in a variety of collaborative and independent tasks

Understand why God has created sport/competition and identify their own God-given talents and abilities.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Physical Education, ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in a variety of physical activities, make healthy choices, and establish lifelong habits of wellness. Instruction emphasizes motor skill development, movement concepts, personal fitness, responsible behavior, and the value of physical activity.

Kindergarten Physical Education Benchmarks

By the end of Kindergarten, students should be able to:

Motor Skills

Demonstrate basic locomotor movements.

Perform simple throwing, catching, kicking, and striking skills.

Maintain balance while moving and holding positions.

Participate in activities using a variety of movement skills.

Movement Concepts

Identify personal space and safe movement practices.

Move in different directions, pathways, and speeds.

Demonstrate body control and coordination.

Fitness and Wellness

Participate actively in physical activities.

Identify ways exercise helps keep the body healthy.

Practice safe movement habits.

Social Responsibility

Follow directions and safety rules.

Cooperate with classmates.

Demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship.

Encourage others and show self-control.

Character Development

Recognize the body as a gift from God.

Practice perseverance and responsibility.

Use their abilities to serve and encourage others.

Faith Integration

Physical education provides opportunities for students to recognize that their bodies are gifts from God and that they are called to care for themselves and others. Through movement, teamwork, and activity, students learn perseverance, humility, encouragement, and respect.

Students are encouraged to use their abilities to serve others, demonstrate Christ-like character, and approach challenges with confidence and gratitude.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19

Spanish

Trinity’s Philosophy of Foreign Language

We believe that students learn Foreign Languages best when they:

feel encouraged and motivated by an enthusiastic instructor

build relationships to foster confidence and participation

actively engage and participate in the acquisition of a foreign language

can make grammatical and cultural connections between their native language and the target language

are exposed to multiple ways to practice the target language

experience a fun, positive, and challenging learning environment where they feel safe, comfortable and respected while practicing the language

are able to relate to others beyond their own culture, including how people worship God

realize that all people are unique creations of God

Trinity Lutheran School uses the Aventuras Spanish curriculum as the foundation for Spanish instruction. Through engaging activities, meaningful conversations, stories, songs, and cultural exploration, students develop beginning proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to use Spanish in authentic contexts while building vocabulary, pronunciation, cultural understanding, and confidence as language learners.

By the end of Kindergarten, students should be able to:

Listening

Understand familiar Spanish words, phrases, and classroom directions.

Respond appropriately to simple spoken Spanish.

Recognize common vocabulary in songs, stories, and conversations.

Speaking

Use basic Spanish greetings and expressions.

Answer simple questions using learned vocabulary.

Participate in short Spanish conversations.

Pronounce familiar Spanish words with increasing accuracy.

Vocabulary

Identify and use beginning Spanish vocabulary related to:

Numbers

Colors

Family

School

Animals

Food

Weather

Everyday experiences

Culture

Recognize that Spanish is spoken throughout the world.

Demonstrate appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.

Identify similarities and differences among cultures.

Language Learning Skills

Participate confidently in Spanish activities.

Take risks when speaking a new language.

Demonstrate curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm for learning another language.

Faith Integration:

Learning Spanish allows students to celebrate the variety of languages and cultures God has created. As students develop communication skills, they are encouraged to use their words to show kindness, build relationships, and share Christ’s love with others.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

Visual & Performing Arts

Trinity’s Philosophy of Visual Arts

We believe:

Humans were made in God’s image, and as such are creative beings.

Creativity is a skill that students can develop and take with them into their future endeavors.

Art is a practice that anyone can enter into.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the National Core Arts Standards for Visual Arts, guiding students to create, present, respond, and connect at developmentally appropriate levels. Instruction places primary emphasis on creating first and foremost, providing students with opportunities to experiment, explore, design, revise, and produce original works of art. Through the artistic process, students develop technical skills while learning to observe, reflect, communicate, and connect art to their lives, communities, and faith.

Skills Focus

We have a focus on teaching the core elements and techniques of art.

All Ages will build on the following skills:

The Elements of Art

Line

Shape

Form

Space

Texture

Value

Color

The Principles of Design

Balance

Contrast

Emphasis

Movement

Repetition

Hierarchy

Negative Space

Unity

Drawing Skills

Drawing skills connect our brains to our hands in a tactile way that is often lost today in our increasingly digital world. By building a strong base of drawing skill in our students we give them a great foundation whether they pursue art in their future or not.

Color Theory

Painting, color mixing, and a strong understanding of color theory.

Exploration of a Wide Variety of Materials and Processes

Encouraging students to work with as many materials as we can to build well rounded art students that think outside the box.

Trinity’s Philosophy of Performing Arts

We believe that students learn Music best when they:

use music as a platform for worship and glorifying God

understand music as part of being made in the image of a creative God

are provided with various musical opportunities (vocal, instrumental, etc.)

are active, reflective participants in the music-making process

have an understanding and see the connections music has with the larger community and the world

feel comfortable taking risks and experiencing the success and failures that music making has to offer

understand music as a medium for the expression of feelings and experiences

engage in music-making as a collaborative team, learning how each ‘part of the body’ works together to create and to be “one”

Trinity Lutheran School's music curriculum is based on the National Core Arts Standards for Music, guiding students to Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect through developmentally appropriate musical experiences. Instruction emphasizes active participation through singing, movement, instrument play, music literacy, creativity, and worship, helping students develop a lifelong appreciation for music and its role in praising God.

By the end of Kindergarten, students should be able to:

Creating

Create simple rhythmic and melodic patterns using Ta, Ti-Ti, Sol, and Mi.

Explore musical ideas through singing, movement, and instruments.

Demonstrate creativity through musical play and improvisation.

Performing

Sing independently and with a group.

Maintain a steady beat.

Perform simple rhythms and melodies.

Demonstrate appropriate audience and performer behavior during classroom and school performances.

Responding

Identify different moods expressed through music.

Respond to music through movement, drawing, and discussion.

Use beginning musical vocabulary to describe musical experiences.

Connecting

Recognize that music is used to worship and praise God.

Connect music to stories, celebrations, and everyday experiences.

Appreciate music as a way to communicate and build community.

Music Literacy

Read and perform quarter notes (Ta) and paired eighth notes (Ti-Ti).

Recognize ascending and descending melodies.

Sing Sol and Mi accurately.

Demonstrate beginning understanding of rhythm and melody.

Christian Character Through Music

Use music to praise God with joy and thankfulness.

Encourage and support classmates during music activities.

Recognize that everyone has been given unique gifts by God to share through music.

"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:3