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Ascension Lutheran School
Grades TK-8 » Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten

TKAscension Lutheran Elementary School offers a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) designed to increase children’s academic, social, and developmental readiness for the challenges that await them in subsequent grades. TK students enjoy a full and rich day from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM. They engage in hands-on learning of standard academics as well our Specialty Programs.
 
At Ascension, the appropriate candidate for TK is one who is a bit young to start Kindergarten but is excited and ready to begin exploring kindergarten concepts. TK acceptance is based on age, assessment, preschool recommendation, and parent/teacher conversations.
 

Highlights of the Grade-Year

  • Built into each day are three opportunities for outdoor exploration time and includes participation in our Nature Explore certified Outdoor Classroom program
  • TK students participate in weekly Chapel with all other grades at Ascension and look forward to meeting their Chapel Buddies from the upper grades
  • The TK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade play is a chance to show off our performing arts skills for an audience of family and friends

Key Learning Objectives

English Language Arts

TK students develop pre-literacy skills including letter and word identification, phonological awareness, and increased vocabulary. Class instruction focuses on concepts of print and understanding that print has meaning. Students hear and interact with both literature and information texts. Their ability to communicate grows as they learn to use language to express ideas.

Math

In math, TK students learn numbers to 20, work with groups of 10 objects, compare groups, sort and classify objects, work with patterns, basic measurement, and a variety of shapes. In preparation for Kindergarten, TK students are introduced to mathematical symbols and elementary problem-solving.

Social Studies

In social studies, transitional kindergarteners are busy learning about their local community, their family, and themselves. We look at a variety of adult occupations and community helpers, learn how to show respect for other's ideas, and help students develop a sense of place within their world.

Science

TK science instruction focuses on observing, describing, and making predictions. Students explore topics in physical science, life science, and earth science including describing properties and characteristics of objects, observing plants and animals in their habitats, and learning about Earth's natural resources.