The Kindergarten program at Travis focuses on a developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Hands-on experiences are key to the program. Multi-level instruction and exploration activities are incorporated to develop the whole child.  Further, Spanish, Creative Movement and Fine Arts classes help to develop the child's multi-intelligent capacity.   In addition our program is enhanced by technological experiences.

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY:

To develop the whole child to be a life long learner.  We value the unique qualities of each individual child.

FIELD STUDIES:

Field studies have become an important part of the educational curriculum at Travis.  During the 1998-1999 school, the Kinders visited many educational destinations, including the Houston Zoo, Houston Livestock Show, Children's Museum, Old MacDonald's Farm, Museum of Natural Science, Herman Hospital Life Flight Center, Bellaire Nature Center and Challenger Park.   Neighborhood walks included ("the five senses" and "2 and 3D shape walk").  Theater experiences this year included Charlotte's Web at St. Thomas University and The Magic Flute and Miller Outdoor Theater.

BRAZOS BEND

Each year the Kindergarten class takes a family field study to the Brazos State Park in November.  Many of the families camp out in the campground for the weekend. Others come and join the fun for the Saturday activities. Teachers and parents organize a large group meal where everyone can share and discuss the activities of the day. Many different nature centers and activities are planned as well as a visit to the observatory and a special space trip in the Challenger Learning Center.

OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTERS

Two Friday afternoons each month the kindergarten teachers organize fun, hands-on learning centers outdoors under the walkways around the primary play apparatus in our SPARKS park.   Parents help man the learning centers which involve activities such as water and sand play, painting, clay "goop", music/dance, flying airplanes, mystery hunts, tin can walking, etc. All modes of learning are used such as tactile, kinesthetic, visual, olfactory, and aural. The children are involved in individual and group activities that make learning fun. The children are all able to learn in the style that best enhances their understanding. Kindergarten children and parents from all the programs get the opportunity to get to know each other and interact.

OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND UNIQUE FEATURES:

Kindergarten Round Up, Kinder Get Acquainted Day, Thanksgiving Feast, Winter Holiday Performance, 100th Day, Singing Awards Luncheon.

WHAT SKILLS SHOULD PARENTS WORK ON OVER THE SUMMER TO PERPARE THEM FOR THIS CURICULUM?

Read to child daily.  Familiarize your child with Nursery Rhymes.  Learn to tie shoes and fasten own clothes.  Count.  Know colors and shapes.  Cutting with scissors.  Recognize own name and writing first name.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES AND READING LISTS:

Nursery Rhymes, Dr. Seuss.  Visit your public library's children section frequently.  Get your child a Power Card!   Memory/strategy games such as tic tac toe, concentration, puzzles.

HOW CAN PARENTS WORK WITH THEIR CHILDREN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR TO REINFORCE THE TEACHING?

Check folder daily.  Read to them daily.  Review personal data -- example, whole hame, address, phone #, birthdate.  Make sure your child has all needed supplies and returns permission slips and money no later than the day before the trip.