Curriculum

Transitional kindergarten bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten and gives students a gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. It blends social and emotional experience with academic learning, so that students not only learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math, and other cognitive skills, but also develop social and self-regulation skills needed to succeed in school and life. 

TK teachers have a unique opportunity as they plan and implement a curriculum reflective of a developmental continuum. This continuum reinforces and builds upon preschool learning expectations to prepare students to meet or exceed rigorous standards at the completion of their second year of kindergarten. The California Preschool Learning Foundations and California’s Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten are resources that help teachers define what to teach in the TK classroom. Implementing a high-quality TK program requires a deep understanding of standards, as well as extensive knowledge of child development and instructional strategies. As TK teachers plan lessons, they recognize the value of incorporating a variety of instructional practices (e.g., single-concept/single skill approach, unit/theme approach, and project-based approach) to best fit conceptual development and stages of acquisition. Learning experiences are meaningful and integrated across subject areas. Learning also includes experiential and hands-on activities in real contexts. Having a deep knowledge of both preschool-age children and kindergartners is important for TK teachers as they seek to differentiate and individualize instruction to meet the unique educational and social–emotional learning needs across the continuum of development.

The following areas include the foundational content of TK curriculum: 

Social–Emotional Development 

A focal point of the TK year is social–emotional development. Students learn to identify and regulate emotions, establish and sustain their relationships with others, and work in collaboration to achieve program goals. 

English Language Arts 

TK students are growing in their ability to communicate with others, express ideas, and reason using language. They are beginning to represent thoughts and ideas using written symbols. Their ability to attend to a variety of texts including both literary (e.g., comprehend characters, setting, sequence of events) and expository texts (e.g., comprehend, sequence, identify facts) is also developing. A balance of explicit instruction and student-initiated learning is important to exposing children to standards-based instruction.

Mathematics 

Teachers in the TK year assist students as they move from intuitive, every day mathematics to mathematics taught in school. In addition to highlighting math skills such as number sense and measurement, TK teachers support the development of mathematical reasoning (e.g., representing, relating, analyzing, and explaining). 

Science 

Young learners are naturally curious. Science learning in the TK classroom focuses on teaching inquiry skills through the use of simple science equipment and books. Experiences that explore the diverse areas of scientific study (e.g., physical science, life science, earth science) are integrated into other subjects including English language arts, mathematics, history–social science, physical education, and visual and performing arts. 

History–Social Science 

Exploring history–social science in the TK years begins with students learning about themselves, their families, and their local communities. Language, family, and culture are important topics as teachers work to make curriculum meaningful and relevant. Student knowledge is then extended to include time, space, and social connections. 

Physical Education 

Instruction in physical education supports healthy growth and motor skill development, and has an impact on the developing brain. In TK, students participate in activities which promote both gross and fine motor skills, include balancing, jumping, drawing, and using school tools.

Visual and Performing Arts 

TK students have opportunities to explore creative expression in the following areas: dance, music, theater, and visual arts. Educators also support art appreciation skills, helping children to focus on unique aspects of artwork, reflecting on aesthetic choices, and recognizing the feelings that are creatively expressed.

Source: TK Implementation Guide, A Resource for CA Public School District Administrators and Teachers