JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN & INTRO JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN (MOYENNE SECTION)

Aims & Objectives
The program is set up in such a way as to tap into the children’s natural spontaneity and imagination, as well as their developing need for a sense of independence. It also allows the children to increase their communication skills and start to use French spontaneously.

For children new to Toronto French School, the Intro Junior Kindergarten Section is offered. The need to communicate, the social experience, and the degree of independence for which they are ready allow them to adapt quickly to a milieu where learning takes place in French.

The students in the Junior Kindergarten Section, on the other hand, have already spent one part-time year at TFS or come from a Francophone milieu. This second year is designed to upgrade their level of readiness for Senior Kindergarten, leading to Grade 1 (CP in the French system).

Program

Living Together
Children continue to adjust to school life. Over time they become more independent, developing social skills that teach them to share with their peers, respect others and respect their environment.

Physical Activities
The activities enable students to develop gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness, orientation and group skills. The children also enjoy at least a 14-week ice-skating program.

Oral and Written Communication
To meet the children’s needs for self-expression, the teacher gradually engages them in dialogues and group discussions. Vocabulary and syntax are introduced and practised, and the children gradually learn to communicate in French throughout the year.

In preparation for written expression, the children develop their fine-motor skills through handwriting activities. Tracing, drawing and exploring graphic patterns guide the children toward the development of cursive writing skills.

Artistic and Aesthetic Activities
As children gradually refine their sensory and graphic abilities, they are encouraged to make use of a variety of other materials and techniques (modeling, découpage, painting). In addition, they learn to orient themselves in graphic space (left, right, up, down). Their own sensitivities and tastes are drawn upon in activities such as classroom decoration, looking at pictures and watching plays and films.

Musical Activities
Movement, rhythm and melody are integrated through listening, singing and the playing of Orff percussion instruments. Children learn a beginning repertoire of French songs.

Mathematical, Scientific and Technical Activities
The teacher arouses the children’s curiosity and directs their questions toward particular aspects of their family and school environment. Sensory games and the use of symbols introduce them to the concepts of component and whole and of number and geometry. The children are encouraged to discover, discuss and demonstrate these basic concepts and techniques by means of simple experiments.