Transitional Kindergarten
What Is Transitional Kindergarten?
TK represents a true bridge between preschool and regular traditional Kindergarten. Taught by a credentialed teacher with early childhood expertise, TK uses a unique, specialized curriculum that is based on the Common Core Kindergarten standards but is designed explicitly to support the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of young 5 year-olds.
Transitional Kindergarten is the first of a two-year Kindergarten experience for children turning 5 years old between September 2 and December 2. TK gives our youngest Kindergarten students a head start in instruction and provides them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs. TK is a free program within the public school system.
The TK environment includes many opportunities for social-emotional development, fine- and gross-motor activities, and oral language development for all kinds of learners, including those with special needs. Arcata Elementary School’s TK program prioritizes purposeful, structured play, small-group instruction, and intentional teaching using hands-on, experiential activities. TK truly provides our youngest Kindergarteners with the gift of time, enabling all students to begin traditional Kindergarten ready to thrive.
- Purposeful, structured play
- Small-group instruction
- Hands-on, experiential activities
- Language Arts:
- Social Studies:
- Science:
- Math:
- Art: Watercolor painting; colored-pencil drawing; pastels
- Music: Once a week instruction
- Dance: Once a week with a variety of dance forms explored
- Movement: Two recesses each day; physical education