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Kindergarten Matters: Building Blocks for Learning

Webcast: January 30, 2007

Scroll down to access archived streaming video.

Featuring:

Dr. Carmel Crévola, International educational consultant
Dr. Pat Dickinson, Program coordinator, Charles Sturt University
Dr. Miriam Trehearne, International educational consultant
Jill Worthy, Superintendent, Toronto District School Board

Also Contributing:
Staff and students of Ontario schools
Carol Cameron, Oscar Peterson P.S., Peel District School Board
Krista Flemington, John Wanless P.S., Toronto District School Board
Lotje Hives, E.T. Carmichael P.S., Near North District School Board
Lynn Howarth, Ray Lewis E.S., Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Sarah McPhee, Oscar Peterson P.S., Peel District School Board
Amy Tsy Mathews, Oscar Peterson P.S., Peel District School Board
Ryan Wilkins, Stanley Mills P.S., Peel District School Board
Heather Wyatt, Briargreen P.S., Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

The Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat
Pauline Beder, Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Education
Sandy Giles, Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Education

Kindergarten is a magical place where children and adults grow and learn together!

In this webcast, you will step inside a Kindergarten classroom that is alive with authentic learning experiences that engage young children in thinking, reading, writing, speaking, listening, creating, representing, and problem-solving in an integrated fashion.

You will meet a number of experienced Kindergarten teachers along with a group of other early years experts who will share their insights about classroom organization, assessment, and planning so as to create an organized environment that encourages independence, fosters oral language development, and stimulates maximum growth and achievement for all children.

By carefully observing and documenting children's strengths and areas for future learning in terms of the whole child, you will learn how Kindergarten teachers plan purposeful and playful learning experiences that enrich each child socially, emotionally, and intellectually – these are truly the building blocks of learning!

The purpose of this webcast is to inspire dialogue, reflection, and action. The following questions are provided as a guide for further professional conversations

1. What are my core beliefs about young children and how they learn?
2. How do my core beliefs influence my decisions about classroom setup and programming?
3. What do I believe are the elements of effective assessment in Kindergarten?
4. How do I link my assessment practices to "the zone of proximal development"?
5. How do I foster oral language throughout the Kindergarten day?
6. What new strategies can I acquire to promote further oral language development?
7. How can I follow the gradual release of responsibility model to ensure that my teaching is responsive to my students' needs and builds towards independence?
8. How am I using learning centres to develop a range of skills including oral language, reading, and writing skills?
9. How am I fostering problem-solving and inquiry skills throughout my program?
10. How can I provide differentiated learning experiences for young children?

"Early learning experiences are crucial to the future well-being of children and establish the foundation for the acquisition of knowledge and skills that will affect their later learning and behaviour."

"Children thrive within classrooms that meet their physical needs and developmental needs and that provide a secure, respectful, and nurturing environment."

The Revised Kindergarten Program, 2006, p. 1

Please scroll down to view the Video on Demand for these sessions.

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Streaming Video on Demand

1. Kindergarten Matters: Building Blocks for Learning
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2. Kindergarten Matters: Building Blocks for Learning
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Additional Viewing Options

1. Assessment Strategies:
   • Using Photographs
   • Student Self Reflection
   • Using Technology
   • Formative Assessment
2. Organizing for Independence: Block Centre
3. Introducing the Kindergarten Program: Guess Who? Game
4. Integrated Learning: The Hospital
5. Thinking about Learning Centres: I CARE Board
6. Math Instruction:
   • Domino Lesson
   • Structures Program
   • Helper of the Day
   • The Learning Carpet
7. Thinking about Learning Centres: Painting Paper
8. Purposeful Talk:
   • The Shoemaker's Shop
   • The Mystery Can you Guess? Bag
   • The Dramatic Play Centre
9. Thinking Aloud About Bear Snores On
10. Reading Lesson: Small-Group Shared Reading
11. Interactive Writing Lesson

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Hosted by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat in partnership with Curriculum Services Canada