Junior Kindergarten

Academic Themes

The Junior K students at IPA benefit from being part of a whole elementary program. A comprehensive curriculum plan for all academic areas across elementary grades is included within integrated Academic Themes. For Junior K, explorations in each of the Themes includes:

• Who We Are – Recognizing special qualities in themselves and others, how each individual fits in his/her family and the classroom, and social development
• Where We Are in Place and Time – Orientation in place and time, and the interconnectedness of peoples and cultures. JK focuses on how local customs in Hawaii are influenced by Asian traditions and celebrations.
• How We Express Ourselves – JK students explore their five senses, emotions, using their whole bodies to explore and learn
• How the World Works – There are living and nonliving things on earth. What are the characteristics of the different kinds, and caring for our natural world
• How We Organize Ourselves – Jobs people do, in the classroom, the school, the community, at home.

Study of each of these Themes is augmented with one or more field trips. Parents and other guests come to present information to share with the children. Special celebrations punctuate the JK school year, as well, including Na Kupuna Day in the fall, a Lion Dance for Chinese New Year and May Day participation.

Click on an image below to access specific Junior Kindergarten learning standards that are integrated with the academic themes: