HPS Kindergarten Handbook 2014
HPS Kindergarten Handbook 2014
HPS Kindergarten Handbook 2014
2014
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Starting School
Starting school brings significant changes to the lives of most children and they need time to get the feel of school. They are moving from the less restricted life of home, day-care or preschool and children need time to adapt to this. During the early weeks much time is taken by learning about school, such as: Learning to be a part of a large group. Learning to share the teacher's time and attention with the other children. Learning to mix with many other children. Learning about basic routines of when and how we eat and play outside, how we move from our room to other places, how we attract the teachers attention, where equipment belongs in our room and how to care for it. Learning about other places in the school, such as the Library, the hall etc. Learning to care for our personal belongings.
Where do we start?
It is vital in planning our teaching and learning programs, that we have an understanding of what each child knows and can do. We use the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment. Teachers have always taken time at the beginning of the year to see how each child works with books, letters, and numbers. However, in Best Start, all Kindergarten teachers will use the same set of observation tasks across NSW public schools. Your child's teacher will observe all of the children in her class do a range of tasks, to assess where to start teaching literacy and numeracy. It is not a test, but identifies the literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills that each child brings to school as they enter Kindergarten. This information is plotted onto a continuum that is consistent with the English and Mathematics syllabus for the early years of schooling. We use the information to plan the quality teaching and learning programs that schools implement in the early years of schooling. The Literacy Continuum can be viewed in the classrooms. You will get feedback from your child's teacher later in Term 1 and have an opportunity to discuss how your child has settled in.
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What do we teach?
The children will have a balance of experiences in six key learning areas, commonly referred to as KLAs. The NSW curriculum is changing to include the Australian National Curriculum and new syllabus documents are being introduced from 2014. For more information go to: http://syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/about/#implementation Approximately 50% of our time is spent teaching English and Mathematics.
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Independent activities: Time is given for the students to work independently of the teacher and practise and refine skills they have learnt. Very early in the year children enjoy playing 'being the teacher' and reading the book or writing words just like the teacher. Teachers observe students and build on these signs that the children are becoming readers and writers. Play is still an important teaching strategy in Kindergarten. Children understand play and respond to it. Through play, they learn about getting on with others and making choices about what to do and what not to do. They try different language patterns; they use their hands and eyes; they explore and experiment with their environment and practise new skills. Many of the experiences and activities structured by the teacher will seem like play to the children.
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Toilet Independence
Please let the class teacher know of any problems that exist. Please provide a spare pair of underwear in your child's school bag each day. If children have an accident at school and change into the school supply of pants or clothes, these clothes should be washed and returned to school within 2 days. We see toilet independence as being able to: Take down and pull up pants. Wipe themselves clean after going to the toilet. Dress themselves (if clothes need to be changed). Flush the toilet. Wash their hands after using the toilet. It is not part of our School Administration Offers' duties to change or clean children who have soiled. If a child has an accident at school, we will endeavour to contact parents or the contact person to come to the school to change the child.
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School requirements
What does your child need to bring to school? A suitable size back pack - big enough for home reader, raincoat, lunch box etc. Painting shirt or an adult T-shirt to protect your child's uniform during all activities. One of mum or dad's old T-shirts is ideal, as it will cover the complete uniform and does not need buttoning. Please label with your child's name. A waterproof Library Bag for borrowing books from the school library. These are available from the school School hat A separate note will be given out next year, outlining other specific class requirements.
Weekly events
During each week your child will participate in the following activities. Library: The children visit the school library weekly to learn library routines and to borrow a book. Sport: Sport lessons will be held at least once a week. Friday is Kindergarten sport day. Scripture: Scripture teachers visit the school to take weekly Scripture lessons.
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Visit the local library with your child. The library has a wide range of suitable books. When your child draws or paints, write on it what he/she tells you it is about. Reread the
story with him/her.
Encourage your child's attempts at writing - use large pieces of paper to give room for
whole arm movement and thick pencils or crayons. Do not expect him/her to be able to write on or between lines at first. Take all attempts at writing seriously, even though what you might see to begin with is a series of random marks on a page. Ask what the writing says and react positively. Most importantly, praise what your child can do. Nothing succeeds like success!!
Starting on Maths
Everyday we use number, measurement and shape in our lives. Each time we shop or go to the bank we use numbers. Our understanding of space is used to pack a lunch box or park a car. We need to understand how to measure things when we cook, build or listen to a weather report. Count things in your home or as you walk down the street, read house numbers, play number games using dice, sing number rhymes. Encourage your child to sort and classify, seeing differences and similarities. Look for patterns in the environment (eg squares in the windows). Encourage your child to play with construction toys and ensure he/she has plenty of materials eg playdough (these need not be commercially made) Mark special events on a calendar and talk about how many days until the event. We follow the Count Me In Too program - for more information and games visit: www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/countmein/index.htm
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1. NSW Provide information (from DET website) about your child's immunisation status. Your child will be coming into contact with lots of other children and infections can spread very easily. Immunisation records need to be presented for Kindergarten enrolment. Under the Public Health (Amendment) Act 1992, children who have not been immunised may be sent home during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. 2. Learn the names of the important people at the school. This will help you communicate with your child about what they do each day at school. It is also important that you have a relationship with your child's teacher and principal to ensure you are up to date with your child's progress. 3. Give all information about your child to the school especially medical and special needs. You know your child best. Your child's kindergarten teacher will have many students to get to know. Help the teacher understand your child better and faster by sharing information and insights. This will also ensure that your child gets any essential attention. 4. Provide emergency contact numbers. The school might need to contact you urgently. Provide alternative numbers and contacts in case the school is unable to contact you. 5. Make the school aware of any special family circumstances. Any changes to your child's family situation can impact on their emotional and academic well-being. Inform your child's teacher and principal about any changed circumstances so that the child can be supported if necessary. Examples of special circumstances include the birth of a sibling, divorce or the death of a loved one. 6. Establish routines with your child and stick to them. Prepare your child for a more structured day. Make a daily routine that includes mealtime, talking time, and reading time. 7. Make sure your child is road and travel safe. Children should know to cross the road only at marked crossings. Please set a good example. Take particular care when you drop off and collect your child from school. 8. Become familiar with school activities - develop a relationship with the school. Parents/caregivers set an example. If you are positive and encouraging towards school, your child will be too. Both the students and teachers will appreciate your involvement and assistance in activities ranging from sports and excursions to music and drama presentations. 9. Educate your child about 'stranger danger'. Teach your child not to talk to strangers. They should not accept gifts or lifts from someone that they do not know. 10. Label equipment and clothing. Replacing lost clothing and equipment is expensive and inconvenient. You should clearly mark every item with your child's name.