Kangas

Ages 4 Years to 5 Years

In preparing children for kindergarten, children in Kanga class are encouraged to participate in self-directed activities in the morning play time. The math and science learning stations are set up to invite children to explore and investigate on their own or with another peer (e.g., life cycles of plants and frogs and making sugar crystals).

Like the Tigger class, the curriculum of this class encourages social-emotional development and cooperative play among children, as well as cultivating a love for learning and exploring things in their natural environment. Children continue to grow and develop skills in self-regulation, such as recognizing body cues and feelings and learning ways to respond appropriately in those situations.

Children in Kanga and Tigger classes have ample opportunities to play together, including daily exercise/game time outside and outdoor play time.

The Kanga and Tigger classes also go on various field trips together--Nutcracker, Lawrence Hall of Science, Fire Station, and Crab Cove." Then insert images 3951 and 3956 side by side. Below the two photos, insert this caption: "The Kangas and Tiggers went on a field trip to Crab Cove. They listened to a presentation about the sea life at Crab Cove. Afterward, they got to go search by the shore some of the sea life they just learned about from the presenter.

More structured teaching time occurs during project activities and the two circle times. Some expectations and teaching moments that are incorporated into the curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten include raising a hand and waiting to speak, sitting for circle time, participating in discussion at circle time, and cleaning up.