Kindergarten / Primary Department

Welcome to the Primary Department! Students in our department are in first and second grade. All students are active participants in the following academic subjects:

• English/Language Arts
• Health
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies

The Primary department teachers work closely with a Speech and Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, and a Physical Therapist to embed therapeutic activities into core subject areas. Throughout the school day, students work on building their independence with daily living skills and academic tasks.

Additionally, the Primary Department largely focuses on enhancing student's communication skills. We understand that the early years of child development play an important role in developing communication. All staff within the department have been trained in the LAMP (Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning) approach to support students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Community Outings

Students focus on furthering their abilities to communicate and socialize appropriately. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, in order to support academics, communication, and appropriate behavior, students went on monthly community outings. These unique experiences include traveling to:

Lakeland Animal Shelter

Students delivered homemade cat and dog toys and supplies to the shelter following their science unit on animals. Touring the shelter and interacting with the animals was an added bonus!

Elkhorn Library

Learning about helping the Earth was brought to life while watching a show presented by the Kohl's Wild Theater.

Pearce's Farm Stand

After reading From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer, students were able to explore a pumpkin patch and pick their own pumpkin to take home. Additionally, Pearce's provided delicious apples and fresh-made donuts to enjoy!

Frank's Piggly Wiggly

After reading a book about "Friendsgiving", students shopped for supplies needed to prepare their own Friendsgiving meal. Upon returning to school, students followed picture recipes to create their own feast which was enjoyed in the company of good friends!

Dollar Tree

Learning about the interests of friends is important and so is teaching the joy of giving (not just receiving). To combine these skills, students traveled to the store to purchase a gift for a friend. There were many bright faces during the gift exchange that took place back at school.

Black Rock Farm

The life cycle is a complex topic that becomes much easier to understand when seeing it in real life! Students placed (chicken) eggs into an incubator and observed them for three weeks. Following their hatching, students were able to see where the chicks went to live and what they would grow up to become... a chicken! 

Delavan Lanes

Students were able to socialize with each other while showing off the skills they developed in P.E. class during their bowling unit.

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Interactive and engaging are two words that come to mind when thinking about the enjoyable experience at Green Meadows. Students participated in hands-on learning activities to further their knowledge of farm animals!

UW-Whitewater Young Auditorium & Pizza Hut

A vibrant puppet show of "The Rainbow Fish" helped students visualize the book in a unique and engaging way! Lunch was delicious and students demonstrated their manners that have been improving all year.