RISING

PRESCHOOL / PRE-K

Dear Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Families,

Welcome to the Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten (3’s and 4’s) program at the Kew Forest School!

The Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten (PS/PK) classroom is an inquiry-based setting where children are encouraged to engage in activities that lead to discovery through investigation and a process of learning that leads to a greater depth of understanding of their social, emotional, and cognitive development. They will also be developing the skills they need for listening, speaking, writing, reading, and comprehending basic literacy, math, and science concepts.

During the school year, your child will get accustomed to the daily routines and become comfortable with our schedule. Throughout the year the children will get to know each other, teachers, and other grownups who will become part of their learning circle. Our PS/PK students will learn academically and socially together by learning how to take turns, listen to each other, play together and create memories and friendships while having fun!

We hope you have a wonderful and safe summer filled with learning, play, and sunshine!

Warm wishes,

PS/PK Teachers

reading

As you make choices for read-alouds this summer, please consider choosing books from our booklist suggestions. You could also help your children select books from your own childhood favorites or any age-appropriate books that catch your child’s eye in a library or a bookstore.

Lower School Book Lists

Reader's response journal

Every student will keep a Reader’s Response Journal to continue practicing the comprehension skills and strategies that they have been taught in class when reading and responding to literature.

Reader's Response Journal Expectations:

The Response Journal must contain:

The title and author of each book read aloud
At least one or two responses per book

The Response Journal may contain:

Pictures and words

We have provided a set of reading response questions organized through the lens of the 7 International Baccalaureate Key Concepts: form, function, causation, change, connection, perspective, and responsibility.

The questions challenge students to think critically and reflect on the texts they're reading while encouraging them to make links to different contexts.

Reading Response Questions

Modifications for Young Children:

You might explore these suggestions from Edutopia as a jumping-off point. Adults may write words for children as they dictate to the grown-up.

For example: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Responses (dictated by child, written by parent): “The caterpillar ate a lot of food!” Students can make pictures to go along with their ideas.
We understand that writing/drawing skills vary greatly at this age, so please do not stress if your child cannot draw. Another idea for the journal is to print photos of family activities and write a short dictation from your child about each photo.

Your child has two options for writing and drawing their Reader's Response entries.

Option A

They may use any paper or notebook with space for writing and drawing.

Option B

Option B: You can print out copies of the writing paper for your child to record their responses.

math packet

Please download the Summer Math Enrichment Packet. This packet is meant to serve as a review of topics covered during the school year, so your child should be comfortable completing the activities with minimal assistance. If something is too difficult or confusing for your child, simply make a note and move on to the next page or section.

Pre-k Summer Math Counting Practice

back-to-school supply list

On the first day of school, please make sure your child brings in the following:

Completed Summer Enrichment Packet and Reader’s Response Journal
A backpack (clearly labeled with student’s name) that is large enough to accommodate a Homework Folder measuring 9 in. X 12 in.
Official K-F uniform items (clearly labeled with student’s name)
TWO sets of clothing (for accidents and spills) placed inside a large Ziploc with your child’s name written on it (socks and underwear included.)
A reusable water bottle (clearly labeled with student’s name)
A small blanket, sheet, and pillow or nap mat for resting. A small soft toy for rest time is optional but allowed.
A zippered tote bag to put rest time blanket, sheet, and pillow inside

Please note: All other school materials, such as pencils and notebooks, will be supplied by the school. Please also remember to label all uniform items with your child’s name!

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