FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
Full Day Kindergarten
It recognizes that, today and in the future, children need to be critically literate in order to synthesize information, make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and thrive in an ever-changing global community. It is important for children to be connected to the curriculum, and to see themselves in what is taught, how it is taught, and how it applies to the world at large. The curriculum recognizes that the needs of learners are diverse and helps all learners develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to become informed, productive, caring, responsible, and active citizens in their own communities and in the world.
- The Kindergarten Program (2016)
MY EXPERIENCE
SECOND PLACEMENT
Kindergarten has changed dramatically from when I had experienced it. The curriculum now focuses on the play-based learning that creates children to develop their motor, physical, emotional, and mental skills before grade 1.
I have learned that it may seem difficult to notice and name the learning of children at this age when their progress is ever-changing and quick to develop into something grander. Kindergarten is an area where an educator can fully express their potential in developing students who find passion in learning and the skills to exceed in their education.
As I continue to complete this placement in a full day kindergarten classroom, I am excited to develop an inquiry based classroom where provocations aid the pathway of success towards developing these students.
DEVELOPMENTAL BENCHMARKS
Starting kindergarten at the age of 5 or 6 marks the beginning of your child’s formal schooling. Kindergarteners are still developing both their gross motor skills, which involve whole body movement, and their fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscle movements. The age at which children reach milestones for physical development varies considerably, and the information here is intended only as a general guide for parents. Parents are usually the best judge of whether their child is ready for more challenging activities.
Check out the link to see specific developmental profiles!
DEVELOPMENTAL BROCHURE
CREATED BY MY COLLEAGUE AND I
During my undergrad I had taken a psychology course in which a colleague and I have developed a developmental milestone brochure that highlighted the importance of dates and ties within kindergarten. This was used as a resource for parents and educators.
THE THIRD TEACHER
CREATING MY PERFECT CLASSROOM
Just like home, the kindergarten classroom should feel like a welcoming environment where they can develop a strong foundation for learning and explore their curiosity through play (The Kindergarten Program (2016) p. 8). As the “third teacher” the classroom environment plays an important role in promoting a positive social and educational aspects of an individual (How Learning Happens (2014) p. 20), thus developing the four frames: belonging, engagement, well-being, and expression. To highlight the importance of these four frames through the third teacher, I have strategically developed my 3D model to represent an open concept classroom that will allow the child to explore independently, while expressing their interests and curiosity through play.
Photography provocation
Sewing provocation
math/money provocation
social studies provocation
art provocation
home centre
outdoor water area
gardening
BLOCK HOUSE
CREATED BY MY STUDENTS
My students have found interest in creating their own play house using the blocks. During this time, educators have the opportunity to help them develop and grow their ideas by asking open-ended questions that will lead to further development of their structures and higher order thinking.
