Why Is Transitional Kindergarten Good for Children?

Why is Transitional Kindergarten Good for Children? Transitional kindergarten provides children with an What Happens in a opportunity to learn in an enriching and Transitional Kindergarten Classroom? academically challenging environment that nurtures their growth. Research shows that children who In transitional kindergarten, teachers help children attend kindergarten readiness programs like develop social skills through activities that build transitional kindergarten are more likely to do well confidence and communication. They also expose in school and attend college. OROVILLE CITY ELEMENTARY children to reading and math in an exciting, SCHOOL DISTRICT interactive way by using educational games to Parents all over California recognize the benefits of teach children about words and sentences and help transitional kindergarten, and many parents have them understand mathematical concepts like already been enrolling their children in similar Our Mission is to empower all our counting and patterns. programs, public and private, for years. Offering students to be successful life-long learners and citizens. transitional kindergarten will help all of our children  Classroom facility and teacher: Transitional get the best start possible, with curriculum that is designed just for them. kindergarten students have their own classroom with their own teacher.  Length of school day: They attend an extended school day from approx. 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m . (times vary by school site). How Can I Learn More? Parents have the option of a half-day morning program. To learn more about transitional kindergarten  Shared activities: They participate in all in the Oroville City Elementary School District kindergarten activities such as music and art you may contact throughout the year. 530-532-3000 ext. 3013  Curriculum and learning: They learn Assistant Su perintendent important new skills that build on what they may have learned in preschool and help them Dr. Spencer Holtom 530-532-3000 ext. 1 adjust to the elementary school environment. Superintendent  Learning environment: They learn by working with the teacher in small and large or visit our web page at groups. There are opportunities for independent exploration. www.ocesd.org Who Attends Transitional Kindergarten?

Starting school is a very exciting time for children and The new law changed the age when children can their families! It begins a new chapter in their lives and What is Transitional Kindergarten? begin kindergarten. Under this new law, children sets the tone for children's future. California’s must turn 5 years old on or before September 1 to kindergarten standards and curriculum have changed enroll in kindergarten. Previously, children could Transitional kindergarten is a bridge between over the years; however, many of the skills children be enrolled in kindergarten if they turned 5 years preschool and kindergarten for children turning 5 were once taught in first grade are now expected in old by December 2. While this change of a few years old between September and December. kindergarten. This can make the transition into months may seem small, it can mean a big It gives young learners a head start and provides kindergarten difficult for some children, and the difference during these early years when children them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an youngest children entering the kindergarten are rapidly growing and developing. environment that is tailored to meet their classroom often struggle to adjust. academic and social needs. The law also created transitional kindergarten. The good news is that in 2010 California passed nd Children with birthdays from September 2 Transitional Kindergarten: SB1381 to create transitional kindergarten, giving nd through December 2 will have an opportunity to children an opportunity to learn in a hands-on, continue building their skills and abilities. Their interactive way that supports their development,  time in transitional kindergarten will help them to Is part of the public school while still maintaining the rigor and high standards of succeed in kindergarten, become leaders in the system and is free for families kindergarten. classroom and confidently navigate the school day  Uses a unique, specialized routine. curriculum that is based on the In Oroville City Elementary School District transitional kindergarten standards and is kindergarten will be offered to children turning 5 years designed to support young 5 old from September 2nd through December 2nd to give year olds them an opportunity to develop the social and academic skills and the confidence that will help them  Is taught by credentialed succeed in kindergarten and beyond. teachers who have training to teach young kindergarten children. When Ryan first began transitional kindergarten, he had trouble focusing in class and struggled “Transitional kindergarten gives the to write many words. After just a few months, gift of time to children who are smart and Ryan’s focus is much better and he is now able capable but need another year to grow.” to write sentences. “He feels so much more confident now,” says his mother, Monica. - Transitional Kindergarten Teacher “Transitional kindergarten was a perfect fit for him.”