What to Teach in Transitional Kindergarten

Preparing Our Youngest Students to Succeed in Kindergarten and Beyond

January 18, 2012

SB 1381…TK Curriculum

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SB 1381… “The first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.”

Year TwoTraditional

Year One Transitional

Two Year Kindergarten Program Comparison

Language/CommunicationSocial/Emotional

and

Decoding

Decoding

and

Language/CommunicationSocial/Emotional

LAUSD, 2011

What Are our Goals for TK Students?

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Supporting Children to Achieve Goals

• Active learning experiences• Learning centers• Varied instructional strategies• Integrated curriculum• Balance between teacher-directed and

child-directed activities

Active Learning ExperiencesTeachers and children learn from each other.

Teacher sets up the environment to engage the interests of

children.

Teacher provides opportunities to facilitate discussions around interesting topics.

Learning Centers

• Library/Reading• Listening• Writing• Computers• Science• Math• Blocks• Dramatic Play• Sand and Water• Art/Painting

Varied Instructional Strategies

• Whole group

• Small group

• Independent

“The daily schedule should include opportunities for children to initiate, play, experiment, reason, collaborate socially, and have predictable routines and patterns as well as to complete teacher-directed activities” (CDE, 2011, p. 21)

How is TK Different?• Groupings – small flexible groups

• Shorter blocks of time

• Intentional interest areas

• Flexibility of schedule

Integrated Instruction

• Integration of all domains: reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science

• Provide vocabulary development and hands-on experiences

“Effective learning takes place when curriculum is integrated in a way that allows students to build on their strengths, expand their interests, and participate in meaningful activities.” (CDE, 2011, p. 21)