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The Transtional Kindergarten Classroom Environment
When setting up the TK environment, the social-emotional development of the students must be kept in mind. The classroom should include a balance of space for direct instruction as well as spaces for student-initiated exploration and active learning. The classroom needs designated spaces for large and small-group instruction. A large rug in a central location makes a great spot for students to gather as a classroom community (McLean & Ong, 2013, p. 63).
McLean, J., & Ong, F. (Eds.). (2013). Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Guide: A Resource for California Public School District Administrators and Teachers. California Department of Education.
Read about the California Department of Education's ideal learning environment here:
Read about the California Department of Education's ideal learning environment here:
TK Implementation Guide
TK Implementation Guide
Arranging Your Classroom
Here is an example of a TK classroom arrangement posted by Pre-K Tweets in her TPT Blog.
Click on the link to see more ideas.
Tweets, P.-K. (2016, October 10). My Favorite Pre-K (and Kinder!) Room Arrangements: Photos, Diagrams, and More. The TpT Blog. https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/pre-k-and-kinder-room-arrangements-photos-diagrams-more
Setting Up Your Dramatic Play Area
Here are some wonderful examples of how to set up a Dramatic Play Center from Pocket of Preschool
Dramatic Play Area
Pocket of Preschool's top tips for setting up your dramatic play area:
Label everything with pictures for easy clean up
Add props slowly
Dress up props and pretend food
Open-ended props
Embed reading and writing
Environmental print
Embed math
Pocket of Preschool. (2017, November 3). https://pocketofpreschool.com/.
Source: Pocket of Preschool
Pocket of Preschool. (2017, November 3). https://pocketofpreschool.com/.
Exploration Areas
Discovery (science) Area
Source: Pre-K Tweets
ABC Center (Literacy Area)
Source: Pre-K Tweets
Construction Area
Source: Pre-K Tweets
Schedules and Routines
TK Implementation Guide for Schedules and Routines
TK Implementation Guide for Schedules and Routines
McLean, J., & Ong, F. (Eds.). (2013). Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Guide: A Resource for California Public School District Administrators and Teachers. California Department of Education.
The following are ideas for a Transitional Kindergarten schedule. I must note that all schedules may not look the same. Schools and districts have different requirements. The ideas presented here are for you to get an idea of what a schedule may look like in a TK classroom.
caeducation. (2013, October 22). Chapter 4: Effective Instruction in a Transitional Kindergarten Program - TKIG. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv7x2Up4HC8.
Transitional Kindergarten Online Resource – TKCalifornia. Transitional Kindergarten Online Resource TKCalifornia. (2012). https://tkcalifornia.org/.
Here is a sample TK schedule from TKCalifornia.org
Here is a sample TK schedule from TKCalifornia.org
Here is another sample schedule for a Full Day Pre-K classroom. This one is by The Resourceful Apple.
You can check out more of her resources by visiting her blogspot at theresourcefulapple.blogspot.com
Wathen. (2016). The Resourceful Apple. https://theresourcefulapple.blogspot.com/.
The Kindergarten Connection has a sample schedule that is a lot like the one I follow. She is very detailed in her description of each element of the day. Read the detailed blog at thekindergartenconnection.com
You can get an editable version of her schedule HERE in Google Slides.
The Kindergarten Connection. (2021, February 15). https://thekindergartenconnection.com/.
Hands-On Learning In TK
"Hands-on experiences offer the best learning opportunities for all children, including those with special needs" (California Department of Education, 2010, p. 284).
California Department of Education. (2010). California preschool curriculum framework (Vol. 1).
Source: Pre-K Pages
Pre-K Pages has some fantastic ideas for hands-on learning.
Visit her site for more Teaching Tips!
Pre-K Pages: Printables and Activities for Preschool Teachers. Pre-K Pages. (2000). https://www.pre-kpages.com/.
Pinterest has a plethora of hands-on activities for young children!
Some of the items you may already have in your classroom!
Check it out!
Pinterest. (n.d.). https://www.pinterest.com/.
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