Sharks

Transitional Kindergarten

5 year olds

1:12 Teacher-to-Student Ratio

Maximum Class Size of 24

About the Sharks

Just about ready for kindergarten!

Curriculum & Daily Activities

The Sharks are preparing for kindergarten with fun activities and challenging academics.

The Sharks are given assessments throughout the day while learning in small groups so that each group can work at their specific level.

During their Daily Circle Time, they discuss the calendar, including days of the week and months of the year. They count by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s and practice counting with money. They gain valuable oral skills by having an individual sharing time each week.

Some of the concepts that they work on include, but are not limited to: the alphabet, phonics, letter writing, simple sight words, reading text, predictions, poetry, reading comprehension, math, social studies, and science.

This program also focuses on STEM academics. This is a specialized curriculum in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The Sharks will be working on dynamic STEM projects throughout the year.

Your child will get a hands-on tailored curriculum that will prepare them for the next phase of their education.

Environment

Sharks have the largest classroom as these children are preparing to go to Kindergarten.  They have two bathrooms each with internal and external sinks.  This is where the children can wash up after they explore and learn in one of their many interesting centers including Art, Science, Sensory, or Writing.  Their Dramatic Play area is transformed each month into an Interactive Learning Center that encompasses many learning domains at once such as literacy, math, science, and social skills.  This is where they can stock shelves in a Grocery Store, sort mail in a Post Office, or run the snack bar in their Surf Shop. And they also have a Safe Place/Cozy Corner where children can go when they need time to reflect on their emotions and support their socioemotional health. 

Developmental Milestones

By 5 years, children will:

  • Tell a story they heard or make one up with at least two events (e.g. A cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it.)

  • Answer simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to them

  • Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges

  • Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall, etc)

  • Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them

  • Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night".”

  • Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For instance, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count).

  • Writes some letters in their name

  • Names some letters when you point to them

  • Buttons some buttons

  • Hops on one foot

Why Scripps Exploring Academy?

At Scripps Exploring Academy, our Transitional Kindergarten readiness program rivals that of the public schools academically and it’s full day. Here, your student can learn the entire day with a consistent team of teachers and students without having to shuffle between their regular program and before or after school care.