Transitional Kindergarten
"Young Fives" may be old enough for kindergarten, but are they developmentally ready? To address the needs of these children, Cherrywood Academy is offering transitional kindergarten (TK) classes, which promote positive socialization, hands-on learning, and emergent literacy. But there’s also an ample amount of play time. After a year of TK, children are better prepared for the year ahead.
Sometimes programs call “Choice Time” free play, free choice, play time, work time, center time… Creative Curriculum refers to it as Choice Time. Each student chooses an interest area to work in and will move around the room as they choose. Typically, Choice Time lasts 1 hour uninterrupted and does not include clean up time. The children can choose from 8 interest areas; Art Center, Dramatic Play Area, Block Center, Music Center, Library, Fine motor Center, Science Center, Sand & Water Area. The teacher’s role is to observe, assist children in accomplishing their play goals, and look for opportunities for expanding children's activities and thinking. Learn more about each center below and what you can do at home
