Preschool Literacy and Numeracy
Kim Young
Kindergarten Teacher
Resource Teacher
Austin Preschool Connections
Pre-School Literacy
To lay a foundation for successful literacy development, it has
been found that:
 Children must understand the functions of print, and be aware
that there are conventions that govern written language.
 Knowledge of the alphabet and phonological awareness are
predictors for future reading success.
 Children need to have knowledge of the narrative structure in
story books in order to have a better comprehension, construct
meaning, and make personal connections.
 Children must develop a positive view toward reading and other
literacy experiences.
Pre-School Numeracy
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Early development of number concepts is critical in
developing positive attitudes about mathematics at
an early age.
Special methods and activities will assist children to
develop early numeracy skills.
These methods will need to include the use of
motivating and engaging concrete materials that
children can manipulate.
Young children need to experience a lot of 'doing'
and 'saying' before written numerals will make sense
to them.
Austin Pre-School Connections
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Austin Pre-School Connections is a group that was
formed in 2001.
It has been our goal over the past few years to bring preschool programming and activities into our local
community.
We have run a variety of successful programs that have
been well attended by community members from all over
the R.M. of North Norfolk.
Funding for these programs is received from both The
Healthy Child Coalition and Pine Creek School Division.
Programs
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Shake Rattle and Roll
Kit and Kaboodle
Book Bag lending Library
DVD lending library
Preschool Literacy / Numeracy Sessions
Shake Rattle and Roll
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This is a parent/child physical activity
program encouraging early movement and
co-ordination using song and a variety of
equipment such as beanbags, balls etc.
This program is for children ages 2-4 years
old.
This 6-8 week session is run twice a year
and is held in the gym at Austin Elementary
School on Monday evenings.
Kit and Kaboodle
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Kit and Kaboodle is a family literacy and language
program.
Each session includes a circle time for rhymes and
songs, a sound game, a group story and parent/child
book sharing time.
This is a 6-8 week session that runs twice a year for
pre-school children ages 18 months to 5 years, and
their parents.
This program is held at the Austin Community
Center.
Book Bag lending Library
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Presently we have 90 theme bags that are available
for loan.
Each bag contains books and activities based on
themes.
These bags are housed in the library at Austin
Elementary School and can be borrowed at any
time.
Books and activities are suitable for children 0 – 7.
DVD lending library
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We have purchased many educational DVDs
over the past few years.
These DVDs are housed in the library at
Austin Elementary School and can be
borrowed at any time.
These DVDs are suitable for children 0 – 7.
Preschool Literacy / Numeracy
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The Pre-School Literacy/Numeracy Sessions are parent-child
orientated and are set up as center activities.
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Parent and child rotate through a variety of literacy/numeracy
centers based on a particular theme for that day.
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These sessions run once a month and are located in the
Kindergarten classroom in Austin Elementary School.
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All children attending the sessions leave with a story book and
activities to use at home.
Parent and Child Orientated
Variety of Themes
This year I have focused the
preschool sessions around
various themes.
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Numeracy
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Christmas
Winter
Valentines
Rhyme
Book Making
Franklin
Spring
Kindergarten Here I Come
Preschool Sessions
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Children rotate through
a variety of centers with
their parent.
Centers are created for
a variety of ability
levels.
Children leave with a
new story book and
activities to work on at
home.
Numeracy Session
Clifford Session
Clifford Session
Clifford Session
Christmas Session
Christmas Session
Speech Language Pathologist
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The SLP for our school division has attended
all of our preschool sessions.
This has helped to identify children with
speech needs and to refer them for services
prior to their entrance into Kindergarten.
Public Health Nurse
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The Public Health Nurse for our area has
attended the last two sessions.
She does not routinely see preschoolers
after their 18 month needles until their 5 yr
old needles.
This allows her to be reintroduced to many
families and to help families to access other
services that may be available for their child.
Kindergarten
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The students are able to meet with me
throughout the year and are less nervous
about their first day of school.
Parents have a chance to discuss their
concerns or share their child’s successes
with me throughout the year.
I am able to evaluate the children's needs
and can be more prepared for their entrance
and for each child’s specific needs.
Funding
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Healthy Child Coalition
Pine Creek School Division
Austin Elementary (In-kind)
Kim Young
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kyoung@pinecreeksd.mb.ca