Babette Haynie, kindergarten teacher at Falcon Hill, works with students to develop a wide range of skills. [photo by Tim Hacker/ Mesa Public Schools]
Kindergarten is a time of great discovery and growth, and a big transition for parents and children. Rachelle Sears teaches kindergarten at Las Sendas Elementary School and shares that the rigor in kindergarten is higher than it was ten years ago.
“Today, children are more likely to attend full-day kindergarten,” Rachelle says. “There is a heavier focus on reading and math. The rigor of writing has shifted away from scribbling and random letters to more phonetic spelling.”
Rachelle incorporates whole body movements and music, making lessons fun for students to help them retain information. For example, when teaching students letters, they learn the sound, how to sign it and sing songs that incorporate the letter they are learning.
Preparing Students for a Successful Year
Over the last few years, the district has been taking a closer look at social and emotional lessons to help students develop the self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills vital for school, work and life. People with strong social and emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges.
“Giving students a preview of kindergarten by visiting campus and attending events before school starts helps students be at ease on their first day,” Rachelle says.
Preparing emotional kindergarten parents is just as important. Research shows that if parents are engaged in their children’s school lives, it builds stronger connections and creates a positive learning environment.
Building a Better Future
Teachers meet every child where they are to help them achieve. Falcon Hill Elementary kindergarten teacher Babette Haynie uses a variety of resources to ensure students succeed, including researching new strategies, incorporating technology, and observing and collaborating with other master teachers.
“Helping students learn new concepts, and watching and cultivating a passion for learning is what teachers do every day,” Babette says.
Kindergarten registration is now open. If you are unsure about your child’s kindergarten readiness, have a milestones discussion with their preschool teacher or pediatrician. Consider speaking with the principal or a kindergarten teacher at your child’s future school, and explore the school’s website for helpful information.
Mesa Public Schools Promise: Every student in Mesa Public Schools is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
To learn more about Mesa Public Schools, visit our website — www.mpsaz.org.