Junior Kindergarten
Junior kindergarten is the start of a bright future at WPGA. Our teachers build joyful classroom connections, incorporating community and character into thematic units purposely designed for the 4-year-old mind.
Program Philosophy
Rooted in our school’s mission, Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy, WPGA’s signature inquiry-based junior kindergarten program aims to inspire in children a lifelong love of learning. Through guided inquiry and experiential activities, many of which take place outdoors, children develop a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, motor skills and creative expression. Music, art, French, science and social studies are woven into every day’s schedule, with a PE block daily and Spanish or Mandarin alternated weekly. Students are active each day and spend a lot of time in nature.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Literacy and Numeracy
- A literacy-rich environment fosters reading engagement and vocabulary development; multiple interactions with text each day explore relationships between letters, sound, structure and grammar.
- The use of natural elements, with connections between shape, form, quantity and quality, facilitate an understanding of abstract math concepts.
- Technology is used as a tool, where appropriate, to enhance learning.
Character Development
- Teachers, trained in attachment theory, develop connections with each student to support children’s social-emotional wellbeing and decision-making capabilities.
- Children are guided to naturally converse with peers, which sets the stage for friendship and collaboration.
- The school’s values of inclusiveness and mindfulness are integrated to encourage kindness to self and others.
Community/Global Connections
- Language lessons (French, Spanish, Mandarin) include interactive activities that relate to different cultures around the globe.
- Children are part of the school community, with older student "buddies," regular visits to the school library, and participation in school events, concerts and assemblies.
- Service and sustainability are emphasized, with opportunities to contribute to our school and global communities and the environment.
A Typical Day in JK
The full-day program is designed to align with children’s natural rhythms and maximize their learning and development. Although no two days in JK are the same, below is an example of a day in the life of JK.
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8:30am-9am:
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Flexible drop-off
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9am:
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Review the day’s schedule and the big idea/concept of the day
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Morning:
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Explore the inquiry topic of the day, alternating between whole class, small group and individual instruction
Sample activities:
- Exploring English phonetics and alphabet code through movement, song, role-playing, stories and art. *inspired by the work of educator Nancy Young
- Exploring numeracy through cooking and baking activities (learning to count, measure, follow direction)
- Exploring ecology and science and developing gross motor skills while in nature (beach, meadow, woods, garden)
- PE follows morning inquiry. Rest/recharge is scheduled before lunch |
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Lunch:
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Lunch (provided by family). Lunches and snacks must be nut free. Snack time is open throughout the day.
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Early Afternoon:
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Outdoor activities, e.g. planting in the JK garden
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End of Day Activity:
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Storytime or singing
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Pick-up:
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2:30pm-3pm
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Program Features
- Full day program (8:30am-3pm, with flexible drop-off until 9am and pick-up to 3pm).
- Three teachers for one class of 25 students (8:1 student teacher ratio).
- Early Childhood Education Centre features two spacious classrooms, art and science stations, a comfortable quiet room, parent room, kitchen, large outdoor garden and nature discovery area.
- Specialists teach Mandarin, Spanish and PE.
- Guest presenters and field trips related to curriculum. Weekly walking excursions to Jericho Beach and other nearby outdoor spaces.
- Parent involvement is encouraged, with parent-teacher conferences, student sharing sessions, parent education workshops and grade socials throughout the year.
