[0:00] - [Narrator] Welcome to elementary school [0:01] with SoWashCo Schools. [0:05] School is an amazing adventure, [0:06] where you can learn new things and make new friends. [0:09] Beginning kindergarten is a very exciting time. [0:13] You might feel a little nervous starting a new school, [0:16] but, your teachers and all the school staff are here to help [0:20] and are so happy to have you join us at school. [0:23] - Kindergarten is not scary. - Kindergarten is not scary. [0:25] - Really I like to do everything in school. [0:28] - As child starts kindergarten, [0:30] first, I would say goal is to let parents be confident [0:33] that your children are in great hands. [0:36] This is what we do, we do it well, [0:38] and we are looking to partner with you [0:40] as we educate your children. [0:42] - Those beginnings in kindergarten [0:44] just kinda open up a whole new world. [0:46] No matter what you teach them at home, [0:47] when they find something on their own [0:50] and are excited about it, [0:51] I think that's amazing as a parent. [0:54] - [Narrator] To help you plan for [0:55] and prepare to enter elementary school, [0:57] we want to show you an average day of a kindergartner. [1:01] School staff will help you get into school, [1:03] whether you ride the bus or are dropped off by your family [1:06] or family friend. [1:08] - My favorite thing is to go on the bus. [1:10] - [Narrator] You can choose to go to the cafeteria [1:13] to eat breakfast, or sit with your friends [1:15] until it's time for class. [1:16] Once you get to your classroom, [1:18] you'll begin with a morning meeting with your class [1:20] where your teacher will talk to you [1:22] about what you will learn today. [1:24] Your classroom teacher will teach reading, writing, [1:26] math, and science lessons throughout the day. [1:31] Read alouds are one of the literacy activities [1:33] students will participate in [1:35] that help develop critical thinking, [1:37] listening, and the ability to communicate effectively. [1:40] - I love it. - I love learning how to read. [1:42] - [Narrator] Movement breaks help students [1:44] focus your bodies and minds in a fun, interactive way. [1:48] - What I enjoyed most about my child's kindergarten program [1:51] was the teachers that they had, [1:54] the friendships that they made, [1:55] the teams that they played on. [1:57] - I think the thing that brings me the most joy [2:01] is when kids realize what they are capable of, [2:04] and it's kind of this realization [2:07] that you can see on their faces. [2:08] And all of a sudden they realize, wow, I did that. [2:13] And just, a change in what their body looks like, [2:16] and a change in their face, [2:19] and their willingness to take chances, [2:22] and their willingness to take risks and try things, [2:25] because they realized, you know, [2:27] wow, I am capable of so much more than even I thought. [2:31] And it sort of ignites that spark to keep learning. [2:35] - [Narrator] Before you know it, it's time for lunch. [2:37] The staff in the lunchroom will show you [2:39] how to go through the lunch line. [2:42] Every day, you'll visit a specials class [2:45] taught by a specialist teacher in a different room. [2:48] These classes include, physical education, or gym, [2:52] where students build motor skills, [2:54] heart and muscle strength. [2:55] Music class, where students learn the foundations of music. [2:59] Art, where students are encouraged to be creative [3:02] and learn new techniques. [3:04] And library media, where students immerse themselves [3:07] in books, digital resources, [3:09] and interactive technologies, nurturing literacy, [3:13] digital proficiency, and citizenship. [3:15] - Before long, you know students, [3:18] they have a comfort in the learning space, [3:20] they are comfortable with one another, [3:21] and they have a trust in their teacher, [3:23] and then, things just begin to really take off from there. [3:27] - [Narrator] Math lessons provide students [3:28] with interactive activities to build essential life skills, [3:31] such as problem solving, analysis, and spatial skills. [3:35] Every day, students will have a choice time, [3:38] or free play time, with your friends in your class. [3:41] Students build collaboration skills through play, [3:44] and which promotes social, emotional growth, and wellbeing. [3:47] At the end of the day, [3:49] it's time to pack up and get ready for the ride home. [3:52] Teachers will help students line up [3:54] for either their bus or car ride home. [3:57] We had a great day today, [3:59] we can't wait to see you next school year. [4:02] - Welcome to kindergarten. - Welcome to kindergarten. [4:04] - Welcome to kindergarten. - Welcome to kindergarten. [4:07] - Welcome to kindergarten! - Welcome to kindergarten!