Kindergarten in Alberta, a handbook for parents

2009·2 MB·English

by  Alberta. Alberta Education

1620 2690580 Curriculum
Catholic
Kindergarten School Handbook
Version
for Parents
CURR GD
HIST /dlberta
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Education
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Universitatis
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Kindergarten
In
berta
A
Handbook For Parents
Catholic School Version
2008-2009
Alberta Education
This document, along with most Alberta Education documents, can be found
on the Web site at http://education.alberta.ca
.
Parent documents referenced in this handbook, along with most Alberta Education documents, are
available for purchase from:
Learning Resources Centre
12360 -142 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9
Telephone: 780^127-2767
Toll-free: 310-0000 (inside Alberta)
Fax: 780^122-9750
Internet: http://www.lrc.education.gov.ab.ca/pro/dcfault.html
Telephone numbers ofbranches referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll-free inside Alberta, by
dialling 310-0000.
Curriculum Branch Learning and Teaching Resources Branch
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: curric.contact(ajedc.gov.ab.ca E-mail: curric.contact(q)edc.gov.ab.ca
Distributed Learning Resources Branch Learning Technologies Branch
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: DLRB.General(a;gov.ab.ca E-mail: ltbgcncral(»;gov.ab.ca
• For information about LearnAlberta.ca
First Nations, Metis and Inuit Services Telephone: [phone]
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Fax: 780^115-9306
E-mail: LearnAlbeita.Contact(a,edc.
E-mail: FNMISemces(ajgov.ab.ca
gov.ab.ca
French Language Services Branch
Special Programs Branch
Telephone: [phone]
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: LSB(a^edc.gov.ab.ca
E-mail: Special.Programs(qjgov.ab.ca
Learner Assessment
Telephone: 780^127-0010
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: LAcontact(aiedc.gov.ab.ca
ISSN 1487-4261
Copyright © 2008, the Crown in Right ofAlberta, as represented by the MinisterofEducation. Alberta Education,
10044 - 108 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 5E6.
Permission is given by the copyright ownerto reproduce this handbook foreducational purposes and on anonprofit
basis.
/'/'/ Kindergarten Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ©Alberta Education,Alberta, Canada
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
1
indergarten Alberta
in
Table ofContents
Message from the Minister ofEducation iv
Letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins v
Welcome to Kindergarten 1
What is Kindergarten in Alberta? 2
What are young children like? 3
Social Development 4
Physical Development 4
Intellectual Development 5
Creative Development 6
Emotional Development 6
Spiritual Development 7
What do children learn in Kindergarten? 8
Religious Education 8
Early Literacy 10
Early Numeracy 10
Citizenship and Identity 1
Environment and Community Awareness 12
Personal and Social Responsibility 13
Physical Skills and Well-being 13
Creative Expression 14
How do young children learn? 15
What will you see in the Kindergarten area? 16
How and why is children's learning assessed in Kindergarten? 20
Some children have special education needs. How will Early Childhood Services (ECS)
meet these needs? 21
How will the Kindergarten program help prepare children for Grade 1? 23
How can parents be involved? 24
At school 25
At home 25
Afterthe Kindergarten day 27
Parent resources 27
Questions parents may want to ask the teacher 27
Feedback 31
Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008 Kindergarten///'/'
©Alberta Education,Alberta, Canada
Message from the
Minister of Education
In today's busy households, where our Kindergarten to Grade 12 students are involved in every kind of
extracurricular activity imaginable, it is especially important parents and guardians are kept informed
about what their students are learning in th—e classroom. That is why each year Alberta Education
develops the curriculum handbooks series an insightful guide that outlines what students across the
province will learn at their respective grade levels.
We know you play a critical role in determining your child's future success. I am confident this
handbook will engage you in Alberta's curriculum, your student's studies, and answer any questions you
may have on what your child is learning. I also hope this publication will create an opportunity for open
dialogue between you, your child and his or her teacherregarding curriculum outcomes and expectations.
—
Alberta's curriculum is recognized for its excellence and our students are thriving as a result.
I encourage you to see this handbook as a window into your child's learning and as a resource in
understanding how we help students reach their full potential. Ifyou have any questions about the
content ofthis handbook, do not hesitate to contact your child's teacheror school.
I hope you find this handbook helpful and informative and I wish you and your student every success this
school year.
Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister, Alberta Education
iv/ Kindergarten Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008
©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada
DearParents and Guardians:
On behalfofthe Catholic Bishops ofAlberta, I wish to express my appreciation to the
Government ofAlberta and Alberta Education forproviding you this updated Kindergarten to Grade 12
Curriculum Handbooks for Parents.
You, parents, are the first and primary educators ofyourchildren especially with regards to
education in the faith. By ensuring that the Gospel is truly lived in the context ofyour family and in the
life ofour schools and communities you are a powerful witness for your children. The role ofthe parents
is vital in providing the best possible education for our children.
When you enroll your children in a Catholic school you can be assured ofour support in your
role. I encourage you to work closely with the school byjoining your local school councils or parent
groups. You can assist young men and women, boys and girls, to understand themselves as moral persons
living the way ofChrist through the experience and teaching ofthe Catholic Church. Be a strong voice for
the Catholic identity ofour schools. In this way, you will share in the central mission ofthe Church,
which is to proclaim Jesus and his Gospel in the world today and, in so doing, hand on our faith to our
children.
We commend Alberta Education for providing these updated Curriculum Handbooks for Parents.
They provide a comprehensive presentation ofthe content and expectations ofthe Religious Education
program approved by the Canadian Conference ofCatholic Bishops.
May their use be a source ofgrowth in faith, hope and love in all ofour communities throughout
Alberta.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Bishop Frederick Henry
Diocese ofCalgary
Education Liaison, Alberta Conference ofCatholic Bishops
Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008 Kindergarten / v
©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
University of Alberta Libraries
http://archive.org/details/kindergartencatho09albe
elcome to Kindergarten
Entering Kindergarten is an exciting time for every child. Moving from the home environment
to the school environment is a rite ofpassage. Both parents and teachers want this transition to
be as smooth as possible.
The teacher welcomes the children into the program and gently introduces them to the
Kindergarten environment. Orientations help everyone feel at ease. The children are given time
to become acquainted with each other and with classroom activities and materials. Gradually,
children gain a sense ofbelonging because they know the routines and school layout.
There are many new adult faces at Kindergarten! Children may meet and talk with the principal,
custodians, secretaries, librarians, teacher assistants, community nurses, dental hygienists,
teachers ofother grades, community volunteers and other children's parents. Social development
is enhanced through this broad interaction with adults and children in the school.
In a Catholic school, the spiritual development ofthe child is nourished and the child will likely
meet the priest, pastoral assistants and other members ofthe parish.
In some Kindergarten programs, a teacher assistant helps with and supports the delivery ofthe
program. In special needs or language programs, the assistant has a more specialized role.
All schools make the safety ofevery child a top priority. Because Kindergarten children are new
to the school environment, extra care is taken to ensure their safety. IfKindergarten children
participate in school recess, teachers help them until they become independent. Children are
supervised during each recess, and safe play is encouraged. Recess provides a good opportunity
for Kindergarten children to learn to be with children ofdifferent ages.
Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008 Kindergarten / 1
©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada
The school keeps parents informed about arrival and departure procedures. In turn, parents
should advise the school ofspecial circumstances or changes in regular routines. School staff
ensure that the children are safe as they get on and offschool buses.
hat Kindergarten Alberta?
is in
The terms Kindergarten and Early Childhood Services are often used interchangeably. However,
"Kindergarten" refers specifically to the education program for children in the year prior to
Grade 1. "Early Childhood Services" refers to the broad coordinated system oflocal and
provincial programs that meet the developmental and special education needs ofyoung children
and their families. The Kindergarten program is an important part ofEarly Childhood Services.
In Alberta, parents decide iftheir child will participate in Kindergarten or other programs
provided for children who are under 6 years ofage, as ofSeptember 1. Most children enter the
Kindergarten program one year before entry into Grade 1. The local school board sets the
policies for age ofentry into Grade 1. Children with special education needs may be enrolled in
an Early Childhood Services (ECS) program from two-and-a-halfyears old.
The Kindergarten program in Alberta is based on the following beliefs relating to young
children, their learning, and their home and community environments.
• Young children arrive in Kindergarten from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of
experiences. They develop through similar stages but at individual rates, and they need
differing amounts oftime and support to develop common understandings. The
Kindergarten program provides learning experiences that meet individual and group needs,
interests and developmental levels. Additional support is provided to children with special
education needs to help them increase their potential for learning.
• Young children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Learning is enhanced by interaction
and cooperation with others, including adults and children. Through interactions, organized
activities and purposeful play in the Kindergarten program, children explore and experiment
with their environment to add to their knowledge, learn new skills and practise familiar ones.
2/ Kindergarten Catholic Handbook for Parents, 2008
©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada