Preschool Department
Guidance,
Encouragement,
&
Direction
We understand that all children are different and develop at different paces. At Tinkerbell we will be sensitive to the needs of all children and encourage each child to naturally unfold their skills with guidance, encouragement and direction. The preschool curriculum plus the way Tinkerbell delivers that curriculum, is to provide opportunities for children to enjoy exploring their environment; develop physically,emotionally and socially; develop cognitively and intellectually; develop good coordination and motor skills; develop their language and number skills; express their creativity and enjoy their participation in creative activities.
The Kg1 year provides a strong formation in social and emotional development. Children search out knowledge through their own explorations and guided investigations wherethe thoughts and questions of each child are valued and documented to develop a
profile on each child about the way they are learning – what is often referred to as ‘multiple intelligences’ and ‘the languages of learning’. This will be shared with parents so that they can participate in the learning process and provide support from these observations in the home environment.
Through the Kg 2 and Kg3 years, children begin to participate in more structured learning experiences, while continuing to develop questioning and curiosity. The curriculum continues to maintain a balance between play-based and guided learning experiences where the development of early literacy is at the heart of teaching and learning. The child’s sense of security and belonging is paramount to both wellbeing and learning. We recognise that children learn and express their thoughts and creativity in
many different ways. These ‘languages’, or ways of learning are actively celebrated as the fundamental processes for personality development and socialisation.
Kindergarten 1 Commencing around 3 half to 4 years of age – children will learn to: Language: * recognise letters of the alphabet and its sounds & identify vowels and consonants * trace lines and curves and eventually write the letters of the alphabet and their names * identify the beginning letters of pictures Mathematics: * identify colours and shapes * determine the size, similarities and differences of objects * count and write numbers 1 to 20 * do simple addition and subtraction of numbers with the sum of or difference of 10 * compare numbers and sets of numbers Science: * identify the different parts of the body, and the 5 senses / sense organs * distinguish nutritious healthy food from unhealthy junk food * identify different methods of transportation and weather * distinguish plant from animals
Kindergarten 2: Commencing around 4 half to 5 years of age, children will learn to: Language: * develop their eye-hand coordination * sound, read and write the letters of the alphabet * copy three-letter words; sight words; and eventually phrases and sentences * read a family of short words comprising vowels, sight words, phrases, sentences and short stories * associate pictures with words Mathematics: * identify colours and shapes * determine the sizes, similarities and differences of objects * read, write and spell numbers 1 to 20 * count and write numbers 1 to 100 * compare sets of numbers to be equal to, less than, or greater than * add and subtract numbers with the sum or difference of 10 * identify fractions and the ordinal position of objects * read a clock Science: * in more detail - identify the different parts of the body; parts are plants; and different methods of transportation * in more detail – distinguish plants from animals * identify the babies of selected animals * enumerate the needs of plants and animals * develop further their understanding of the 5 senses and sense organs, and how to take care of them * differentiate living and non-living things
Kindergarten 3: Commencing around 5 half to 6 years of age – children will learn to: Language * write the letters of the alphabet in correct order * read and copy three-letter words with vowels, sight words, blends, phrases, sentences and stories * spell three-letter words, sight words and blends * identify words that rhyme and words that have opposites Mathematics: * count and write numbers 1 to 100 * spell number words 1 to 20 and the multiples of 10 * skip count by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s * add and subtract numbers with the sum and difference of 20 * read, comprehend and solve simple mathematical problems using addition and subtraction * tell the time, identify fractions, identify ordinal position of objects and compare numbers and sets that are equal to, less than or greater than Science: * identify different parts of the body and its uses; 5 senses and sense organs; and taste of food * enumerate the basic needs of people, plants and animals * identify the different school personnel, weather, and properties of matter * distinguish living from non-living things, and distinguish the different phases of matter: solid, liquid and gas
Grading System The preschool department follows the ‘averaging’ grading system set by the Ministry of Education. The grading system ranges from 50% to 100%, with a pass grade set at 65%. Preschool evaluation Assessment Test 50% Quizzes 25% Homework/Projects 10% Attendance/Participation 15% Total 100%  A qualitatively assessment will be made for conduct, based on the teacher’s observations of the student’s growth in self-discipline, cooperation in the classroom, and observation of attendance. As the school views ‘discipline’ as an exercise in personal development and not about punishment, will endeavour to assist and guide your child to correct disruptive behaviour and develop self-control by reinforcing good habits and wholesome attitudes: * showing courtesy towards staff * showing consideration towards all fellow students of all ages and all manner of disabilities * displaying respect for school property: no vandalism or littering * observing orderly behaviour in the classroom * following the teacher’s instructions * wearing the school uniform * observing good grooming and personal hygiene If a disciplinary problem should persist with a child, the school will resolve this in conference with the parents.