Transitional Kindergarten Program Goals

We see our program as a partnership between school and home.  We recognize that this stage in children’s lives is crucial in their social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual development.  The goal of Transitional Kindergarten is to provide a well-rounded program to address the needs of the children, and to work with the home in this process.

Our program is designed to help the child develop his/her strengths and become a unique individual, yet be able to fit into society.  We strive to provide the child with experiences that support success and self worth, while preparing him/her for kindergarten and the world beyond.  The activities used to promote this growth will be centered around various themes which will be flexible enough to adapt to the interests and needs of the children.

In a Catholic school, religious development is of primary importance to us.  It will be approached simply and in the total context of the child’s life.  We believe values are cultivated in a child not only through direct teaching, but also through the example experienced in everyday situations.  We will learn short prayers to be said at meals and group times.  Songs, stories and activities will often be of a religious nature.

Our program attempts to guide youngsters to understand that people and the world are gifts of a loving God.  Using this positive framework, we try to nurture each child’s curiosity and sense of wonder.

Goals for the Transitional Kindergarten Program include:

 

Faith Formation

• Understand the gifts we are given and how good our God is
• Develop a natural curiosity and wonder about God and the world
• Shape attitudes of love and respect for self and others
• Learn simple and short prayers
• Learn songs, and participate in special liturgies
• Language and Literacy

Understand and tell stories

• Recognize pictures, words, and stories
• Understand that writing is communication
• Introduction to the Spanish language
• Introduction to the use and benefits of a library
• Introduction to a pre-writing program
• Math Concepts

Count and sort objects into groups

• Recognize shapes
• Make comparisions of size, shape, length, and weight
• Introduction to the use of technology via computers
• Arts (Music and art)

Express ideas and thoughts in creative ways

• Paint, draw, and sculpt
• Participate in music class (one day a week)
• Music and Movement
• Recognize colors
• Physical development

Move with balance and coordination

• Participate in indoor and outdoor physical activity
• Use writing tools, puzzles, scissors, blocks, play-dough, tricycles, and computers
• Social development

Play and work cooperatively

• Follow classroom rules
• Assume responsiblity for behavior, classroom materials, and school routine
• Interact positively with other children
• Participate in group activities
• Emotional development

Form a positive self-image

• Develop self-control
• Relate to others in group situations
• To promote self-help skills
• Utilize quiet and reflective moments
• Science

Observe seasonal changes

• Communicate observations
• Make predictions

Goals for Parents

• Actively participate in your child’s education
• Understand the correlation between the home environment and school success
• Celebrate our community and participate in school activities
• Be aware of available community resources
• Read to your children on a regular basis