What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a program for children not yet ready to enter Kindergarten. Whether a child has a chronologically late birthday, or simply due to the uniqueness of individual developmental readiness (social, physical, or academic), the gift of a transitional year will better prepare many children for the years ahead.
The core academics delivered by the teacher will focus on basic literacy and math skills, while afternoons will involve creative enrichment. Extended day care with an emphasis on play will also be available.
Daily Schedule (Approximate)
7:30-8:30 – Drop off in the TK classroom
8:30-9:00 – Opening Activities (Calendar, Weather, Lunch Count, Story)
9:00-9:20 – Morning Recess and Restroom Reminder
9:20-10:00 – Literature (Reading/Phonics, Handwriting)
10:00-10:15 – Morning Snack Break
10:15-11:00 – Math
11:00-11:30 – Centers
11:30-12:00 – Lunch & Play Time
12:00-1:15 – Quiet Time
1:15-1:30 – “Wake Up Snack” (Milk and graham crackers provided)
1:30-2:00 – Physical Education/Movement
2:00-3:00 – Enrichment Activities (Art, Crafts, Music, Theatre)
3:00-6:00 – Afternoon Snack and Extended Day Care (Dedicated Staff)
Jennifer Mattson, Transitional Kindergarten (email link)
Ms. Mattson's academic goals for her young charges -- learn the alphabet and count to 30 -- may seem modest, but her social goals are lofty and critical to future success in school.
As the transitional kindergarten (TK) teacher, Ms. Mattson helps children learn to navigate the structure of a school day, make good choices, follow directions and respect others. Just as importantly, she wants her students to love learning and enjoy what for some is their first formal school experience.
In that vein, Ms. Mattson knows that her passions are contagious. A professional musician herself, Ms. Mattson starts each day in the TK classroom with song. (Often those songs reinforce concepts, such as the water cycle.) Throughout the day, her students listen to classical music, and through the year, they learn about several composers. Ms. Mattson also teaches math, science, geography and art, all in an attempt to expose children to a wide variety of ideas and topics in preparation for kindergarten.
Ms. Mattson joined Courtyard in 2004. She earned a Liberal Studies degree and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Sacramento. While there, she received the Academic Achievement Award and toured with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble to Los Angeles and New York. She also worked for two summers as a camp director in Seoul, South Korea.
Outside of school, Ms. Mattson enjoys playing oboe and English horn with local community orchestras and volunteers at her church. She also loves to spend time with friends and family, especially her young niece and nephew.
"I love having the freedom to be passionate about teaching. I can tailor my activities around student interests and incorporate things from my own life like music and travel. I love being able to be creative and craft my own curriculum."
