Check out our new
Kindergarten Website:
teachers.sd43.bc.ca/kinderg
arten
Option 1: Full Day Kindergarten and K/1 Program
Welcoming Children and Families
September 2010
Monday
6
Tuesday
7
Labour Day
No School
Wednesday
8
Attendance and Registration
Thursday
9
Welcoming Conversations
Friday
10
Welcoming Conversations
Welcoming Conversations
 Children attend with their
Families/Caregivers at the
beginning of the school day.
 Families/Caregivers sign up for a
“Welcoming Conversation” and
will be given information about
what to bring to the conversation
and about gradual entry.
 Sign up chart will be available for
Families/Caregivers Tuesday
morning for interviews.
13
14
Gradual Entry
Gradual Entry
Possibilities for Monday and Tuesday Gradual Entry…
1. Finish Welcoming Conversations
2. Divide K’s into 2 small groups (A/B):
 A attends Mon. am & Tues. pm
 B attends during opposite times
3. K’s could attend for the whole day
15
16
All classes are now in session.
17
Option 2: Half Day Kindergarten and K/1 Program
Welcoming Children and Families
September 2010
Monday
6
Tuesday
7
Wednesday
8
Labour Day
No School
Attendance and Registration
Thursday
9
Welcoming Conversations
Friday
10
Welcoming Conversations
Welcoming Conversations
 Children attend with their
Families/Caregivers at the
beginning of the school day.
 Families/Caregivers sign up for
a “Welcoming Conversation”
and will be given information
about what to bring to the
conversation and about gradual
entry.
 Sign up chart will be available
for Families/Caregivers
Tuesday morning.
13
14
Gradual Entry
15
Gradual Entry
Possibilities for Monday and Tuesday Gradual Entry…
1. Finish Welcoming Conversations
2. Teacher meets with children in small groups
16
All classes are now in session
17
SD #43 Welcoming Week Conversations
Developing Positive Relationships with Children and Families
As you prepare for welcoming conversations you might want to consider…

In what part of my Kindergarten classroom will the conversations occur?

How can I establish a welcoming environment?

How can I help families understand the purposes of our first week’s activities?

What will the schedule look like?

What can I do to help families prepare for the conversation?

Will I have a separate information sheet for information about daycare, medical concerns, etc.?
(see attached)

What will I bring to share about myself?
Suggested Guidelines for the Welcoming Conversation

Focus on the child and the family - give the gift of a focused conversation (please keep note
taking to a minimum - record only essential information during the conversation and write more
extensive notes later if necessary)

Respond and acknowledge feelings (fears and anxieties)

Provide time for the family/child to talk about what they brought (family photo, special item etc)

Take a tour of the school, introducing the child and family to people & places (if time allows)
The purpose of the conversation is to provide a time to listen to each child and family. The
conversation time is designed to be informal and welcoming. Discussion around your program and
philosophy could be at another time (ie: Meet the Teacher/Open House).
The “Welcome to Kindergarten” form (on the next page) could be distributed to parents on
Tuesday, September 7th as they sign up for their Welcoming Conversation time. The purpose of
this form is to help parents know what the conversation will be about ahead of time.
Welcome to Kindergarten
Dear Families,
When you come to our Welcoming Conversation, please bring a family photo or anything you
might like to share with me, the teacher. Here are some questions we might talk about…
Child:
•
•
•
•
•
What
What
What
What
What
do you like to do?
are you interested in?
does your family like to do together?
are you looking forward to about coming to school?
would you like the teacher to know about your family?
Parent/Caregiver:

What would you like me to know about your child?

What do you think your child will especially enjoy about Kindergarten?

Is there any information you would like me to know about your child’s preschool experience?

Does your child know any other children coming to Kindergarten?

Does your child have any other special friends in the school?

Are there any other questions you have for me?
Date and time of Welcoming Conversation:
Date:
Time:
I look forward to meeting with you and your child.
Sincerely,
________________Elementary School
Please fill out the following information and bring it with you to your Welcoming
Conversation. Thank you!
Child’s Name:
Date of Birth:
Mother’s Name:
Father’s Name:
Names of siblings:
What are your child’s strengths?
Does your child have any medical conditions which would be helpful for me to know
about?
Does your child attend daycare or have a regular caregiver?
Is there any other information you would like me to know about your child?