Welcome to Kindergarten! Kindergarten Orientation

Purpose of this Evening To support you in preparing your child for the first year of school To set the stage for success To meet each other and share information Kindergarten Orientation

Welcome and Introductions Big step on a long journey Setting the foundation for life-long learning Exciting time for you and your child Partnership between your family and the school in supporting your child’s learning Kindergarten Orientation

Kindergarten Is for All Children Background/experience Stages of development Special Education needs Stages of Second Language Acquisition Support Work together to help all children be successful!

The Full-Day Kindergarten Program Children attend school every day Two educators (Kindergarten Teacher and Designated Early Childhood Educator) working as a team to support your child’s learning and development in the six learning areas. Kindergarten Orientation

Supported Entry On the first day - Senior Kindergarten students attend the whole day. On the first day - Junior Kindergarten students attend for part of the day. A letter will be mailed to you informing you of the time your child is to attend school on September 6th.

Daily Schedule Supervision starts at 8:45 with the instructional day beginning at 9:00. Kindergarten students will enter their classroom when they arrive between these times JK/SK students are dropped off by parents in the fenced enclosure. Bus children are supervised from the bus to the enclosure.

Daily Schedule Morning recess 10:40 – 11:10 Lunch 12:50 – 1:50 Dismissal 3:30 Parents to pick up outside of your child’s Kindergarten gate for lunch and dismissal times Bus children are supervised to and from the bus Kindergarten Orientation

Dismissal If your child will be taking the bus, put a note in their backpack with the bus number and pick-up/drop- off information If your child walks, please tell us in writing who has your consent to pick your child up Kindergarten Orientation

Helpful Information For bussing information please go to – student transportation Services of York Region – Bus Stop information – Map Net Web – Enter street number and name – Unionville P.S. Information on the blue registration sheet. Check the site beginning August 29 Kindergarten Orientation

Medical If your child has allergies that require an epi-pen, inhaler, or other required medication, please speak with the office staff the week prior to school beginning, August 29 to Sept. 2 Any other medical concerns, please speak with the office staff prior to the first day of school so your child’s teacher can be informed Kindergarten Orientation

Snacks and Lunches Food allergies Nutritious Easy to open independently Child is able to eat independently Food that does not require heating Reusable, non-spill water bottle Litter-less lunches Identifying snacks and lunch for child Prepare lunches and snacks the night before Kindergarten Orientation

Dressing for Success Washable clothing Dress for activity Change of clothing – Kept in backpack in a zip lock bag with your child’s name written on it; change clothing according to season (speak with your child’s teacher) Labelled Indoor and outdoor shoes, preferably running shoes Kindergarten Orientation

School Supplies Backpack large enough to hold a lunch bag, letter-sized plastic folder and duo tang Lunch/snack bag Indoor shoes Kindergarten Orientation

The Full-Day Early Learning- Kindergarten Program The Ministry’s Full-Day Early Learning- Kindergarten Program is a two- year continuum and addresses learning in:  Personal and Social Development  Language (Literacy)  Mathematics  Science and Technology  Health and Physical Activity  The Arts Kindergarten Orientation

Personal and Social Development Big Ideas: Children are connected to others and contribute to their world. Children have a strong sense of identity and well-being. The Program includes learning in the following areas: Social Development Emotional Development Kindergarten Orientation

Washroom and Self-Help Routines At school, children: – Use washroom independently – Wash hands with soap – Dress and undress themselves belts overalls zippers buttons coat, boots, hats, mittens, shoes Kindergarten Orientation

Literacy Big Idea: Children are effective communicators. The Program includes learning in the following strands: Oral Communication Reading Writing Understanding of Media Materials Kindergarten Orientation

Big Idea: Young children have a conceptual understanding of mathematics and of mathematical thinking and reasoning. The Program includes learning in the following five strands: Number Sense and Numeration Measurement Geometry and Spatial Sense Patterning Data Management and Probability Five Strands of Mathematics Kindergarten Orientation

Science and Technology Big Idea: Children are curious and connect prior knowledge to new contexts in order to understand the world around them. The Program includes learning in the following areas: Exploration and Experimentation Use of Technology Kindergarten Orientation

Health and Physical Activity Big Idea: Children make healthy choices and develop physical skills. The Program includes learning in the following areas: Health and Well-Being Physical Development and Activity Kindergarten Orientation

The Arts Big Idea: Young children have an innate openness to artistic activities. The Program includes learning in the following strands: Drama and Dance Music Visual Arts Kindergarten Orientation

Reporting Process Junior KindergartenSenior Kindergarten Observation Visit Progress Report (November/December) You will receive a letter from your child’s teacher Progress Report Parent/Teacher Interview (November) Report Card for Terms One and Two (January and June) Report Card for Terms One and Two (January and June)

Preparing for the First Day of School Over the summer: – Walk to school and have a picnic. – Play in the school yard. – Find the outside entrance to the Kindergarten area. – Establish bedtime routines and morning routines. – Make up a fun goodbye routine and practise it in other situations before school starts. Kindergarten Orientation

Materials to Have at Home Magnetic letters and numbers Thick crayons, pencils Construction paper Scribble and/or notebook Glue stick, children’s scissors Story books Extra measuring cups, spoons to play with in the sand or water Kindergarten Orientation

First Day of School Make the first day fun. Get up in time to get everything done without rushing. Be calm. Talk about the fun things your child will be doing. Take your child to the bus stop or walk to the school. Make sure your child gets to school on time and is picked up on time. The first day of school is a big event in the life of a family, make it a positive one! Kindergarten Orientation

Saying Goodbye.... Introduce your child to a buddy from his/her class. Give your child a kiss and say goodbye. Practise your goodbye routine ahead of time. Reassure your child that you know (s)he’ll be okay. Kindergarten Orientation

Questions Kindergarten Orientation