Option 1: Full Day Kindergarten and K/1 Program

Welcoming Children and Families

September 2010

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
6
Labour Day
No School / 7
Attendance and Registration
  • Children attend with their Families/Caregivers at the beginning of the school day.
  • Families/Caregivers sign up for a “Welcoming Conversation” and will be given information about what to bring to the conversation and about gradual entry.
  • Sign up chart will be available for Families/Caregivers Tuesday morning for interviews.
/ 8
Welcoming Conversations / 9
Welcoming Conversations / 10
Welcoming Conversations
13
Gradual Entry / 14
Gradual Entry / 15
All classes are now in session. / 16 / 17
Possibilities for Monday and Tuesday Gradual Entry…
  1. Finish Welcoming Conversations
  2. Divide K’s into 2 small groups (A/B):
  • A attends Mon. am & Tues. pm
  • B attends during opposite times
  1. K’s could attend for the whole day

Option 2: Half Day Kindergarten and K/1 Program

Welcoming Children and Families

September 2010

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
6
Labour Day
No School / 7
Attendance and Registration
  • Children attend with their Families/Caregivers at the beginning of the school day.
  • Families/Caregivers sign up for a “Welcoming Conversation” and will be given information about what to bring to the conversation and about gradual entry.
  • Sign up chart will be available for Families/Caregivers Tuesday morning.
/ 8
Welcoming Conversations / 9
Welcoming Conversations / 10
Welcoming Conversations
13
Gradual Entry / 14
Gradual Entry / 15
All classes are now in session / 16 / 17
Possibilities for Monday and Tuesday Gradual Entry…
  1. Finish Welcoming Conversations
  2. Teacher meets with children in small groups

SD #43 Welcoming Week Conversations

Developing Positive Relationships with Children and Families

As you prepare for welcoming conversations you might want to consider…

  • In what part of my Kindergarten classroom will the conversations occur?
  • How can I establish a welcoming environment?
  • How can I help families understand the purposes of our first week’s activities?
  • What will the schedule look like?
  • What can I do to help families prepare for the conversation?
  • Will I have a separate information sheet for information about daycare, medical concerns, etc.? (see attached)
  • What will I bring to share about myself?

Suggested Guidelines for the Welcoming Conversation

  • Focus on the child and the family - give the gift of a focused conversation (please keep note taking to a minimum - record only essential information during the conversation and write more extensive notes later if necessary)
  • Respond and acknowledge feelings (fears and anxieties)
  • Provide time for the family/child to talk about what they brought (family photo, special item etc)
  • Take a tour of the school, introducing the child and family to people & places (if time allows)

The purpose of the conversation is to provide a time to listen to each child and family. The conversation time is designed to be informal and welcoming. Discussion around your program and philosophy could be at another time (ie: Meet the Teacher/Open House).

The “Welcome to Kindergarten” form (on the next page) could be distributed to parents on Tuesday, September 7th as they sign up for their Welcoming Conversation time. The purpose of this form is to help parents know what the conversation will be about ahead of time.

Welcome to Kindergarten

Dear Families,

When you come to our Welcoming Conversation, please bring a family photo or anything you might like to share with me, the teacher. Here are some questions we might talk about…

Child:

• What do you like to do?

• What are you interested in?

• What does your family like to do together?

• What are you looking forward to about coming to school?

• What would you like the teacher to know about your family?

Parent/Caregiver:

  • What would you like me to know about your child?
  • What do you think your child will especially enjoy about Kindergarten?
  • Is there any information you would like me to know about your child’s preschool experience?
  • Does your child know any other children coming to Kindergarten?
  • Does your child have any other special friends in the school?
  • Are there any other questions you have for me?

Date and time of Welcoming Conversation:

Date:
Time:

I look forward to meeting with you and your child.

Sincerely,

______Elementary School

Please fill out the following information and bring it with you to your Welcoming Conversation. Thank you!

Child’s Name: / Date of Birth:
Mother’s Name: / Father’s Name:

Names of siblings:

What are your child’s strengths?

Does your child have any medical conditions which would be helpful for me to know about?

Does your child attend daycare or have a regular caregiver?

Is there any other information you would like me to know about your child?