The kindergarten staff at Hancock Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School truly believes that “College begins in Kindergarten”. We understand that it is a very big milestone when a child enters a new school environment. Each individual child is tested upon entry and these results allow our staff and volunteers to immediately begin meeting the child’s needs academically and socially. At Hancock we pride ourselves in our knowledge of the “best teaching practices for a five year old”. Our classrooms are well equipped to provide small group instruction for literacy and math. During the course of the year we often hear, “I can’t believe a kindergarten student can do that!” The full day program is excellent for getting our students off to a great start in reading, writing, and math.
Our goal is for the kindergarten students to arrive at school on the first day feeling safe, confident, and excited about learning! The following activities are examples of ways we help make the transition into the Kindergarten setting a little easier:
•At Kindergarten Round-up in May parents have the opportunity to meet staff and ask questions about our program, while children play with the kindergarten teachers and future classmates.
•Two summer events allow the kindergarten families and teachers to interact in a fun, informal setting. This is often the start of many new friendships.
•An “All School Open House” in August allows families to explore the school and see what great things are in store for the coming year. Individual conferences are held with each family and child before school begins.
After your child leaves kindergarten he/she will remember:
•Taking trips to the Bell Museum and the Dodge Nature Center to learn about Minnesota.
•Exploring cultures through dancing, songs, and literature.
•Celebrating our writing with a publishing party.
•Reading daily at school with a Hamline college student, a teacher, and at home with a parent.
•Walking to the Hamline campus library for story time, and other events.
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