Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Wanta’s class is ready for Kindergarten

With kindergarten on the horizon, Tools May/June PreK Teacher of the Month and Endorsed Tools teacher Tiffany Wanta levels up the challenge on familiar activities to give her class a sneak peek into what will be coming their way in kindergarten.

Skills to succeed

Everything in Tools preschool classrooms builds foundational skills children will lean on and continue to develop in kindergarten. By the end of their preschool year, children in Ms. Wanta’s class independently gather their own materials to prepare for writing. A year’s worth of one-on-one scaffolding for every child every day has supported Ms. Wanta’s children in becoming confident writers, producing detailed Play Plans like the ones below.

What’s more, Ms. Wanta’s children have developed the self-regulation needed to wait for their one-on-one time during Play Planning, even when other classmates have already started play.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the kids scaffolding each other toward the end of the school year!”
- Tiffany Wanta, Tools PreK Teacher

Looking ahead

As the year comes to a close, Ms. Wanta introduces her class to a key Tools kindergarten activity. Children have fun with fairy tales as they learn to dramatize “The Little Red Hen,” a perfect introductory story to dramatize, with its simple, repetitive structure.

Empowered children, ready for kindergarten

As their preschool year comes to a close, Ms. Wanta’s children are feeling independent and empowered. They have exactly what they need to start their K-12 journey.

“Teaching Tools of the Mind is a passion for me, and I would never teach 4K without it.”
- Tiffany Wanta, Tools PreK Teacher

Thank you to Ms. Wanta and her preschoolers for showing off their kindergarten-readiness!

To see more from Ms. Wanta’s class and other Tools PreK Teachers of the Month, check out recent posts.