Preschool Literacy and Numeracy Kim Young Kindergarten Teacher Resource Teacher Austin Preschool Connections

Pre-School Literacy To lay a foundation for successful literacy development, it has been found that: Children must understand the functions of print, and be aware that there are conventions that govern written language. Knowledge of the alphabet and phonological awareness are predictors for future reading success. Children need to have knowledge of the narrative structure in story books in order to have a better comprehension, construct meaning, and make personal connections. Children must develop a positive view toward reading and other literacy experiences.

Pre-School Numeracy Early development of number concepts is critical in developing positive attitudes about mathematics at an early age. Special methods and activities will assist children to develop early numeracy skills. These methods will need to include the use of motivating and engaging concrete materials that children can manipulate. Young children need to experience a lot of 'doing' and 'saying' before written numerals will make sense to them.

Austin Pre-School Connections Austin Pre-School Connections is a group that was formed in It has been our goal over the past few years to bring pre- school programming and activities into our local community. We have run a variety of successful programs that have been well attended by community members from all over the R.M. of North Norfolk. Funding for these programs is received from both The Healthy Child Coalition and Pine Creek School Division.

Programs Shake Rattle and Roll Kit and Kaboodle Book Bag lending Library DVD lending library Preschool Literacy / Numeracy Sessions

Shake Rattle and Roll This is a parent/child physical activity program encouraging early movement and co-ordination using song and a variety of equipment such as beanbags, balls etc. This program is for children ages 2-4 years old. This 6-8 week session is run twice a year and is held in the gym at Austin Elementary School on Monday evenings.

Kit and Kaboodle Kit and Kaboodle is a family literacy and language program. Each session includes a circle time for rhymes and songs, a sound game, a group story and parent/child book sharing time. This is a 6-8 week session that runs twice a year for pre-school children ages 18 months to 5 years, and their parents. This program is held at the Austin Community Center.

Book Bag lending Library Presently we have 90 theme bags that are available for loan. Each bag contains books and activities based on themes. These bags are housed in the library at Austin Elementary School and can be borrowed at any time. Books and activities are suitable for children 0 – 7.

DVD lending library We have purchased many educational DVDs over the past few years. These DVDs are housed in the library at Austin Elementary School and can be borrowed at any time. These DVDs are suitable for children 0 – 7.

Preschool Literacy / Numeracy The Pre-School Literacy/Numeracy Sessions are parent-child orientated and are set up as center activities. Parent and child rotate through a variety of literacy/numeracy centers based on a particular theme for that day. These sessions run once a month and are located in the Kindergarten classroom in Austin Elementary School. All children attending the sessions leave with a story book and activities to use at home.

Parent and Child Orientated

Variety of Themes This year I have focused the preschool sessions around various themes. Numeracy Clifford the Big Red Dog Christmas Winter Valentines Rhyme Book Making Franklin Spring Kindergarten Here I Come

Preschool Sessions Children rotate through a variety of centers with their parent. Centers are created for a variety of ability levels. Children leave with a new story book and activities to work on at home.

Numeracy Session

Clifford Session

Christmas Session

Speech Language Pathologist The SLP for our school division has attended all of our preschool sessions. This has helped to identify children with speech needs and to refer them for services prior to their entrance into Kindergarten.

Public Health Nurse The Public Health Nurse for our area has attended the last two sessions. She does not routinely see preschoolers after their 18 month needles until their 5 yr old needles. This allows her to be reintroduced to many families and to help families to access other services that may be available for their child.

Kindergarten The students are able to meet with me throughout the year and are less nervous about their first day of school. Parents have a chance to discuss their concerns or share their child’s successes with me throughout the year. I am able to evaluate the children's needs and can be more prepared for their entrance and for each child’s specific needs.

Funding Healthy Child Coalition Pine Creek School Division Austin Elementary (In-kind)

Kim Young