TK: Then and Now

Nearly a month ago, Drew wrapped up his first year in public school as a TK'er... otherwise known as a Transitional Kindergartener.  Before we compare how much he changed visually let's look over his "grades" for the past year.

Here's how he's "Graded"
P= Proficient (highest achievement possible)
OT = On Track (age appropriate)
E = Emerging (needs a little work)
AC = Areas of Concern (serious problems)
X - Not Yet Taught/Assessed

There were four categories in which he's graded:
1. Social/Emotional
2. Language Arts
3. Math
4: Physical Development
5: just teacher comments


His previous "grades" are in parenthesis in order of 2nd trimester, 1st trimester.

1. Social/Emotional:

• Seeks adult help when appropriate - P (OT) (E)
• Engages in cooperative activities with peers - OT (OT) (E)
• Exhibits impulse control and self-regulation - OT (E) (E)
• Works Independently - P (OT) (OT)
• Participates in group activities - P (OT) (OT)
• Demonstrates caring for others -  OT (OT) (E)
• Follows Playground Rules -  OT (OT) (OT)
  
• Follows classroom rules and procedures - P (P) (OT)
• Separates from parents/caregivers without stress - P (P) (P)
• Follows Directions - P (P) (OT)

2. Language Arts

• Writes own first name in Titlecase - P (P) (P)
• Uppercase letters 5 10 15 - P (P) (P)
• Lower case letters 5 10 15 - not listed P (P)
• Exhibits beginning sound awareness - P (P) (P)
• Exhibits rhyme awareness - P (OT) (X)
• Listens while others are speaking - OT (OT) (OT)
• Shares ideas with others - P (P) (OT)
• Actively engages in writing activities - OT (OT) (OT)
• Actively engages in reading activities - P (P) (P)

3. Math

• Understands that numbers represent quantity - P (P) (P)
• Recognizes numbers in random order (0-12) - P (P) (P)
• Uses one-to-one correspondence to count objects (12) - P (P) (X)
• Recognizes common shapes - P (P) (X)
• Counts orally 1-20 - P (P) (P)
• Sorts by one attribute - P (P) (X)
• Extends simple patterns - P (OT) (X)

4. Physical Development

• Demonstrates gross motor skills (balance, jump, run, climb) - OT (OT) (OT)
• Demonstrates sense of body in relation to others -  OT (OT) (OT)
• Demonstrates fine motor skills (cut, color, draw) - P (OT) (OT)
• Performs basic self-help/self-care tasks - P (OT) (E)
• Uses Small Manipulatives effectively - P (P) (OT)

5. Trimester Comments

• Drew has grown so much this year!  We have enjoyed his sense of humor, creative ideas, broad vocabulary, observational skills and love of learning.  He is a strong student and a pleasure to work with.  keep reading over the summer and enjoy your family time together.  Great job Drew!

And now for the comparison pictures....

The left side was day one, and the right side is the last day after school.  While he had just gotten in trouble for being written up on his very last day of school, the picture on the right was not a picture of him pouting.  Rather he was pretending to be a character from Temple Run, one of his favorite apps.