OBE Kindergarten Program

What is Kindergarten?

The OBE's kindergarten program is child-centred, activity-oriented and experiential in nature. Based on the theories of Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson as described in the Ministry of Education documents The Formative Years and Education in the Primary and Junior Divisions. The goal of kindergarten is to complement and extend the learning experiences provided by the home. The school provides opportunities for children to expand language and develop the ability to think and learn about themselves, the environment and their relationships with others.

What is Early Identification?

Early and ongoing identification procedures are initiated during Kindergarten. Teachers in consultation with parents strive to know each child as soon and as thoroughly as possible in order to provide learning opportunities that will help each child. Learning opportunities are created and modified based upon the teacherÕs assessment of a childÕs learning needs..

A variety of strategies is used to maintain an ongoing review of each child's emotional, social, intellectual and physical development. A continuous assessment from different perspectives is followed up with suitable programs that reflects what is known about each child at any point in time. Information derived from assessment is treated as tentative and temporary. Teachers may identify some children with special needs who require further assessment and other professionals may be consulted.

What are the Objectives of Kindergarten?

The objectives of the OBE's Kindergarten program include:

Social and Emotional Development

learning to get along with both adults and peers
learning to become more self-confident, independent and responsible Health, Safety and Physical Development Objectives
learning to take care of physical and health needs
learning about safety
developing large muscles, coordinating body movements
developing small muscles
developing self-help skills

The Art Objectives

experiencing art
experiencing music
participating in creative drama

Cognitive Development Objectives

listening, speaking, reading daily and being aware of print
learning writing-related concepts
experiencing mathematics
exploring the environment

For Further Information:

To find out more about the OBE's Kindergarten program, contact the principal of the OBE elementary school in your neighborhood or the Communications Office at (613) 239-2777.

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