Something New for the Chrysalis and Kindergarten Classes
Some weeks ago I began a discussion with Sentiaschool, about finding ways to intergrate our kindergarten program with Sentia’s 1st grade curriculum to give the children a headstart when entering into 1st grade.
I was encouraged to hear that the children from Koala House have been well prepared in terms of their general knowledge and in the use of English when compared with children coming to Sentia from other schools. I was glad to hear this from Mr. Andy.
But nonetheless, in discussing things we can do to better prepare the children for entering the 1st grade next year, the reading/phonics program came into the discussion. When we developed our English curriculum 4 years ago, we included a section on teaching children the names of the letters and the sounds they make. This has been good, but we were asked by Sentia if we could look again at our phonics materials to see if we could include something more to help the children develop their phonics reading skills. I said I would do this and since our meeting I have.
Years ago, my second daughter had used a phonics program from the States to teach her how to read. I was impressed at how well it worked. Andy, also, suggested a textbook series that is now available here in Vietnam. So, to make a long story short, after visiting the bookstore and rummaging through my attic to find the materials my wife and I had used, I have sat down and put together a tentative curriculum, which we will introduce at the start of the 2nd quarter.
The phonics reading program will include a combination of a store bought phonics curriculum and some homemade teaching resources. During the course of the rest of the year, we will monitor the progress of the children when using these materials and tweek things, if necessary to make it work for our children. In looking at how to best use the available materials, I decided to include the Chrysalis age group.
Over a two year span we will cover four phonics skills. We will intro the alphabet to the Chrysalis age group, which includes knowing the names of each letter and the basic sound each letter makes. In the second half of the school year, the Chrysalis age group will then learn about short vowel sounds. For Kindergarten, they will continue to develop their phonics skills by learning about long vowel sounds in the first half of the year and consonant blends during the second half of the year. As mentioned earlier, we will use a ready made curriculum that is available. I will supplement this program with some homemade materials.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be busy putting together all that we need so that the teachers can begin implementing this new program in November.
As always, feel free to ask questions or offer helpful input.
I am happy to serve your children and you.
Blessings,
Darren Czeczuga.
Educational Consultant