1. What to Teach in Transitional Kindergarten Preparing Our Youngest Students to Succeed in Kindergarten and Beyond January 18, 2012

2. SB 1381…TK Curriculum 2 SB 1381… “The first year of a two- year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.”

3. Year Two Traditional Year One Transitional Two Year Kindergarten Program Comparison Language/Communication Social/Emotional and Decoding and Language/Communication Social/Emotional LAUSD, 2011

4. What Are our Goals for TK Students? 4

5. Supporting Children to Achieve Goals Active learning experiences Learning centers Varied instructional strategies Integrated curriculum Balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities

6. Active Learning Experiences Teachers 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.

7. Learning Centers Library/Reading Listening Writing Computers Science Math Blocks Dramatic Play Sand and Water Art/Painting

8. 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)

9. How is TK Different? Groupings – small flexible groups Shorter blocks of time Intentional interest areas Flexibility of schedule

10. 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)