Welcome to Kindergarten
A Rainbow of Opportunity
Kindergarten marks a new beginning for you and your child. It is a time of new discoveries and challenges as your child makes the transition from home to school. As parents and as educators we all want to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Early childhood is a significant period in human development. Independence, initiative, decision-making, creativity, the ability to learn, the development of language skills, the ability to relate to others and feelings of self worth all have their beginnings in early childhood. What young children learn at this stage will have a major impact on future successful learning experiences. Kindergarten is the foundation of the school continuum.
The purpose of Kindergarten in the Limestone District is to provide learning experiences that reflect the Ontario Ministry of Education Kindergarten Document expectations. French Immersion and English Kindergarten programming provides opportunities that are developmentally appropriate, responsive to the diverse needs of young children, and which promote a positive attitude toward life long learning.
Philosophy
The Kindergarten program, offered in both French and English, aims to nurture the whole child and therefore includes in its goals: social, creative, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Learning environments will be designed to honour the active and integrated learning style of each young child.
The program and the classroom environment support prior learning and engage children in meaningful learning activities that meet the Ontario Ministry of Education Kindergarten Document curriculum expectations.
Children develop through similar stages at their own pace. The Kindergarten program provides learning experiences that meet individual needs, interests and developmental levels.
The Kindergarten program provides opportunities for children to learn and develop positive relationships with others.
Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers, and the program encourages parents to support their child’s educational experience.
Ontario Ministry of Education Kindergarten Document
The Ontario Ministry of Education’s Kindergarten Document outlines learning expectations for children in the Province of Ontario. It describes the knowledge, skills and attitudes that children should develop by the end of the two year Kindergarten program, forming the foundation for effective learning.
“The learning expectations outlined in this Kindergarten document represent the first steps in a continuum of programming from Kindergarten to Grade 8. They describe learning achievements that are appropriate for young children and that will prepare them for successful learning experiences in Grade 1. They provide a sound basis for students’ future achievement of the learning expectations from Grades 1 to 8.”
The document contains specific expectations for children’s learning in six areas:
• LANGUAGE
• MATHEMATICS
• SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
• PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
• THE ARTS
• HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Language
Balanced Literacy programs are provided to all students beginning in Kindergarten. Oral language, reading and writing are not separate elements, but are linked in powerful ways to support learning.
Oral language is the basis for literacy. Kindergarten programs are rich in language-oriented activities that are relevant to the curriculum. Programs will provide a variety of opportunities for language development such as: retelling familiar stories, using appropriate vocabulary and basic story structure, listening and responding orally to language patterns in poetry, songs, stories and demonstrating  awareness of individual sounds and sound patterns.
Kindergarten programs include daily reading and writing. This includes: read alouds, shared reading, interactive reading, guided reading, independent reading, word study, modeled writing, shared writing, interactive writing, guided writing, independent writing and word study.
Daily literacy instruction is presented in large blocks of uninterrupted time in which students are fully engaged, on-task and working with materials at their own instructional level.
Mathematics
Balanced math programs are provided to all students beginning in Kindergarten. A balanced mathematics program includes:
• A focus on developing key concepts in the five strands (Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Spatial Sense and Geometry, Patterning, Data Management and Probability)
• A variety of activities for students to engage in all of the mathematical processes
• A balance of guided, shared, and independent mathematics
• A variety of opportunities for students to problem solve within the 5 strands
Numerous occasions for students to talk about, listen to, read, and write mathematics. Children should see mathematics as being connected to the real world and playing a significant role in Language, Science and Technology, Personal and Social Development, and The Arts.
Science and Technology
The Kindergarten Science and Technology program provides children with a variety of opportunities for exploration, experimentation, understanding of and care for the natural world. Children will be encouraged to use common forms of technology.
Personal and Social Development
The personal and social development of a child should continue to progress in Kindergarten. Children should demonstrate positive attitudes, social skills, independence, an awareness of health and safety practices, an awareness of their surroundings, and participate in physical activity.
The Arts
Kindergarten students will have a variety of opportunities to participate in music, visual art, drama, and dance. Students should demonstrate skills in creative activities, respond to various works of art and acquire some knowledge of elements and forms.
Health and Physical Activity
During the Kindergarten years, children need to establish a positive attitude towards health, safety, and physical activities in order to build a foundation for lifelong participation in and appreciation for healthy living. Kindergarten children will participate daily in a range of engaging, developmentally appropriate physical activities. As well, students will be introduced to concepts that promote a healthy, safe lifestyle.
Kindergarten Assessment and Reporting
Assessment is a natural, ongoing and important part of daily learning. Each child’s interests, strengths, and needs are assessed in order to provide effective programming.
Parents will be given opportunities to visit their child’s classroom to observe and to meet with the teacher to discuss their child’s program. Parents will also receive a written report at the end of January and again in June. Through oral reports, written reports, classroom visits and conferences, teachers and parents can exchange ideas and information that will support each child’s learning.
“The Kindergarten Program is designed to help children broaden their base of information, form concepts, acquire foundation skills and positive attitudes to learning. It is also designed to prepare children for the new Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8.”
Preparing For Kindergarten
It is time for your child’s entry into school. This is a fun and exciting time for both you and your child. It is a time when you want to be able to provide your child with the best experience possible.
Here are some helpful hints that can help make that entry into Kindergarten a wonderful experience:
• Read and share books with your child, talking about the way we hold books, turn the pages and look at books from left to right; talk about the ideas and information in the stories you read
• Help them develop their language skills by having them talk in full sentences as they tell you about things they do, describe things, and share experiences
• Provide opportunities for children to practice buttoning, doing zippers, drawing, cutting, and tying shoelaces to develop fine motor skills
• Ensure they can use the bathroom independently and wash their hands
• Clothes that are easy to put on and fasten, take off and don’t restrict movement will be the most comfortable for your child
• Help them develop the ability to put on their own coat, shoes and boots
• Help your child learn and follow routines by establishing consistent routines for putting away toys, hanging up outdoor clothing etc.
• Provide opportunities for your child to develop ball handling, skipping, hopping and jumping skills
• Help them identify their name and print their first name using a capital at the beginning and the rest lower case
Make the Big Day a Happy One
School will be an exciting experience, but it is difficult to be away from home and may be a little scary for your child. Here are some ways that you can make the first day a happy one:
• Talk openly about your child’s feelings so that you can help them with any questions or concerns they may have
• In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, practice walking to your child’s school or to the bus stop so the routine will become familiar to your child
• A few days before school starts, begin getting your child and yourself used to the bedtime and morning schedule that will be in place during the school year
• Sometimes it is difficult for parents to see their child go off to Kindergarten; make sure your child does not sense your apprehension; be positive and excited about this new experience
Kindergarten is a wonderful experience and your child’s first leg on their journey of learning. The Limestone Board and its staff is committed to ensuring that this is a great start to school.
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