Kindergarten Parent Orientation

Cool Spring Elementary SchoolMay, 2018

Introductions

Turn and talk-- Share one thing you are most excited for as your student begins Kindergarten.

Objectives

Tonight we will…

Provide an overview of the learning structure of Kindergarten

Discuss activities parents can use at home

Discuss Kindergarten “nuts and bolts”

Language Arts

Pathways to Literacy

Large/small group and independent activities during the reading and writing time

The students will work on skills such as:

Letters and Sounds Word Study Comprehension Phonics Independent

reading Shared reading Guided reading Read aloud Writers Workshop

Math Develop logical thinking and the ability

to see patterns and relationships in shapes, sizes, and quantities

Counting (1’s, 5’s, 10’s) Compare and order sets of objects Solve addition problems to ten with

pictures/manipulatives Money- Identify coins; identify number

of pennies in nickel, dime and quarter Identify and describe geometric figures Develop math vocabulary

Science and Social Studies

Integrated into the LA program through stories, learning centers and art activities

Science – 5 senses, measurement, plant and animal life, recycling and more

Social Studies – calendars, maps, charts, patriotism, famous people, communities and more

PALS

Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening

Given 3 times per year Assesses phonemic awareness…hear,

recognize, manipulate sounds Concept of word and print basics

Data used for multiple purposes

A Typical Day in Kindergarten

Journal Writing, Morning Activity, Reading

Morning Meeting/Circle Time- greeting, attendance, weather, calendar, sharing, morning message, plan for the day

Language Arts- shared reading, guided reading, writing workshop, and learning centers

Mathematics- small/large group learning, Number Talks, manipulatives and practice activities

Technology to Support Learning

Computers and Chromebooks in the classroom

Dreambox Math

RAZ Kids

IPADs: Letter and Number apps

Social-Emotional Learning

Students will have many opportunities to learn and play together!

Social and communication skills– very important!

Teaching and practicing appropriate learning behaviors

Cooperative learning throughout the day

Character education themes

A Typical Day in Kindergarten

Specials Classes

Lunch- Buy or Pack Closing and Dismissal

Students may bring a healthy snack to school.

Activities for Home

Suggestions for practicing:

Letter/Sound IDLetter MatchingWriting Name and Numbers

ShapesColors

Kindergarten Logistics

Classroom assignments Busing/Walk-zone

www.lcps.org--- Bus Routes and Walk Zones

Kindergarten hours 7:50AM-2:35PM

Childcare options

School Routines and Procedures

Visitors

Attendance and Tardies Absentee Line/Email Screenings

Safety Drills Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Volunteers The teacher will inform you of the

needs in the classroom

Volunteering comes in many forms: hourly, weekly, daily, one time

field trips, clerical support, organizing parties, individual/small grp student support, working on materials at home, volunteering elsewhere in building

We love having you here!

Health Needs

Submit health and immunization form to school health office

Health care plans developed, if needed Medication procedures Keep teacher and health clinic

informed of changes

First Day Tips

Allow your child to travel to school the “regular” way

Get the camera ready Child should wear the name tag you will

receive with your back to school letter. Let your child see how excited you are

about school- cry later Remember how hard you have worked to

prepare your child for this special moment!

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

Consider: Age 5 by September 30, 2018 Late Birthdays ..give the gift of time Child’s physical and intellectual development Consider social- emotional readiness Ability to sit and listen, get along with others,

understand and follow directions Attention span 10-15 minutes or more Ability to separate from family Oral expression, speaking

Save the Dates!

Back to School NightAugust 21, 2018 at 5:30PM (parents only)

Open HouseAugust 22, 2018 at 9:00-10:30AM

First Day of School~ August 23, 2018