The OUSD Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program provides a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment where young learners gain the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. The curriculum is rooted in play-based learning, emphasizing the development of essential social-emotional skills. 

 

Children are exposed to a rich array of literature, storytelling, and language activities that foster vocabulary development, listening comprehension, and early literacy skills. Our phonics curriculum emphasizes phonemic awareness, helping students begin to hear, recognize, and blend individual sounds into words, laying the foundation for early reading success.

 

Students explore foundational math concepts such as numbers, patterns, shapes, and measurements through hands-on, play-based activities. Instruction emphasizes interactive learning through visual models, manipulatives, and problem-solving, helping students build a solid understanding of early math concepts.

Science

Children are encouraged to observe, inquire, and explore the world around them, sparking curiosity and laying the groundwork for scientific thinking. Through inquiry-based learning, they investigate topics like plants, animals, and the environment. 

 

Students begin to explore their community and the world around them. They learn about basic concepts such as family, neighborhoods, and national symbols, gaining an early understanding of their place within society.

 

TK focuses on helping children build self-regulation, cooperation, and confidence. Through guided interactions, play, book read-alouds, and the Second Step program, students learn how to navigate relationships, express emotions, and solve problems. The program fosters empathy, emotional management, and conflict resolution, supporting children’s social development in the classroom and beyond.

 

Daily opportunities in art, music, and movement allow children to express themselves creatively while developing fine and gross motor skills. These activities support cognitive and emotional development while fostering self-expression.

 

Movement and play are integral to every school day, promoting both fine motor skills (like cutting and drawing) and gross motor skills (like running and climbing). Physical activity supports children’s overall health and coordination, enhancing their readiness for more structured learning in kindergarten.

 

All students participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and Garden activities where they explore exciting design challenges, engage in innovative practices, and practice hands-on activities.