In order to meet the needs of our students, Wilson Elementary is providing a Kindergarten Readiness Class with increased hands-on learning opportunities and a less structured environment.

In addition to more hands on learning, language development and physical activity, student activities will be geared toward individualized learning rates. Those children who progress at a faster rate will be encouraged to do so. Those who have difficulty adjusting to school will be allowed to grow and develop at their own rate. We are excited about offering this learning environment as an alternative for some of our "young fives" and we hope you will be supportive of it and of our staff. We all seek to offer the environment that is best for your child.

We believe that all children should experience success when beginning school; therefore, it will be the goal of the "Kindergarten Readiness Class":

    1. To identify the young children with the potential for difficulty in school.

    2. To assign them to a prevention program with a curriculum appropriate to the child’s developmental age.

   3. To provide a pupil teacher ratio low enough to encourage the student to be an academic participant in the learning process.

  4. To develop a skills checklist to monitor student's progress and keep parents informed.

 5. To provide data for a more accurate academic placement in the future.

Student Identification

 Students with June, July, August, and September birthdays may be considered for our kindergarten readiness class. The standard score on the Phelps Readiness Screen may be an indicator for placement. The student data would then be examined for academic potential, and physical, social, and emotional maturity. The selected students would comprise the " Kindergarten Readiness Class". Teacher observation and the parent checklist will also be used as data sources.

Class Size

Fifteen (15) students

Curriculum/Class Structure

• Strong language development (visual, verbal, and auditory)
• Eye/Hand Coordination/Fine Motor Development
• A revised academic skills list commensurate with ability
• Frequent breaks-change of activities

Current research studies indicate that children entering kindergarten before they are developmentally ready may develop school/learning problems that may affect them throughout their school years. Developmental readiness does not reflect your child's intellectual capabilities.

Developmental readiness includes physical, social, and emotional growth. We cannot assume that all five year olds are ready for kindergarten. Kindergarten enhances growth, but there are certain aspects of development which only time can take care of. Children must attain a certain level of maturity before they can be successful in school.

Below are few characteristics which kindergarten teachers might note as indicators of developmentally young children.

• short attention span
• easily frustrated
• sometimes a lack of fine or gross motor control
• fatigued by afternoon
• cries easily
• does not relate well with peers
• may be a loner
• difficulty separating form parents
• overly-anxious about being right

 

Teacher: Lori Davis, davislo@rcs.k12.tn.us

To Learn More about our class please pick up a informational packet during Kindergarten Pre-registration.