Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum
4 years - 5 years
For a 5-year-old preschooler, learning goals will build on skills developed at age 4, with a greater focus on preparing for kindergarten.
1. Social and Emotional Development
• Self-Regulation: Manage emotions and behaviors more effectively.
• Empathy: Understand and respond to the feelings of others.
• Participation: Involve and stay in activities for longer time.
• Conflict Resolution: Use words to resolve conflicts and negotiate with peers.
2. Language and Literacy
• Phonemic Awareness: Recognize and manipulate sounds in words (e.g., rhyming, blending sounds).
• Letter Recognition: Identify and name both uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Early Writing: Write letters and own name, plus some 2 to 4 letter words.
• Comprehension: Answer questions about stories and recall details.
3. Mathematical Understanding
• Counting: Count up to 100 or higher and understand the concept of "more" and "less."
• Simple Addition and Subtraction: Begin to grasp basic addition and subtraction through hands-on activities.
• Shapes and Patterns: Recognize and create patterns, and identify more complex shapes.
4. Cognitive Development
• Critical Thinking: Engage in activities that require logical reasoning and problem-solving.
• Sequencing: Understand and create simple sequences or patterns.
5. Motor Skills
• Fine Motor Skills: Use pencils and scissors with more precision; engaging in activities like cutting, drawing, and pasting.
• Gross Motor Skills: Improve coordination through activities such as hopping, skipping, and balancing.
6. Creativity and Imagination
• Artistic Skills: Engage in more complex art projects and expressing creativity through various mediums.
• Role-Playing: Participate in elaborate pretend play and use imagination in storytelling.
7. Independence and Self-Care
• Daily Routines: Manage personal tasks like dressing themselves, use the restroom independently, and follow simple hygiene practices.
• Organizational Skills: Put away toys, follow simple directions, and work on cleaning up after activities.
These focuses are designed to help children transition smoothly into the more structured environment of kindergarten and continue to develop a love of learning.