Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 July 2012 19:10 Written by Debbie Isom

This book has been prepared to help you become acquainted with our Junior Kindergarten program at PDS.  Please read it very carefully and refer to it during the year as needed.   Please print a copy of this handbook and bring it with you to the parent meeting with all of the forms completed.

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READINESS IS........

 A child who listens

to directions without interrupting

to stories and poems for five to ten minutes without restlessness

A child who hears

words that rhyme

words that begin with the same sound or different sounds

A child who sees

likenesses and differences in pictures and designs

letters and words that match

A child who understands

the relationship in such words as up and down, little and big

the classifications of words that represent people, places, and things

A child who speaks and can

stay on the topic in class discussions

tell a story or relate an experience of his own

retell a story or poem in correct sequence

A child who thinks and can

give the main idea of a story

give unique ideas and important details

give reasons for his opinions

A child who adjusts

to change in routine and to new situations without becoming fearful

to opposition or defeat without crying or sulking

to the necessity of asking for help when needed

A child who plays

cooperatively with other children

shares, takes turns, and assumes his share of group responsibility

and can run, jump, skip, and bounce a ball with comparative dexterity

A child who works

without being easily distracted

and follows directions

and completes a task

and takes pride in his work.

 

- By Martha P. Howlett, Assistant Staff Writer for My Weekly Reader

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PURPOSE

Welcome to the Junior Kindergarten program at Presbyterian Day School.  We know that young children learn best through authentic experiences.  This process of learning must not only be exciting and challenging, but flexible enough to meet each boy’s particular needs.  This is the environment we strive to create at PDS.

The boys are given many opportunities to grow and develop socially and intellectually by participating in fun, hands-on activities.  Our program introduces and strengthens the skills necessary for your son at this developmental stage.  We want this year to be one of growing, learning, and fun combined with lots of tender loving care.

PDS is a Christian school. It is our goal to teach by precept and example the Word of God, a living faith, and a love and concern for one another.  We want each child to develop to his fullest potential mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

With these purposes in mind, the following goals are felt to be necessary for a happy and successful school experience:

 

• Helping the child develop an awareness and curiosity for his everyday world.

 

• Helping the child develop his unique gifts by providing for him intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

 

• Helping the child build a healthy self-image and belief in his personal worth.

 

• Helping the child develop independence and responsibility.

 

• Helping the child learn to get along with others and to work out problems on his own.

 

• Helping the child have a successful school experience and build a solid foundation for future school success.

We are excited about the year ahead and are eager to partner with you to make this a wonderful academic experience for your son.