Generally speaking, most children under four will prefer Sing Into Reading (on Wednesdays), and most kids 5 -6 will prefer Kindergarten Club (on Mondays). If your child is four, it depends on where your child is in their literacy development.
There is a difference between the two classes. While I use a lot of the same songs and activities, the instruction is differentiated. When I plan my lessons for each week, there is overlap - I use a lot of the same songs and lessons for both classes. However, my expectations of the students are different, and the teaching is different.
In Kindergarten Club we often play a fun game called, “Guess the Covered Word.” In this game, I have a song text written on chart paper with one word covered. The students guess what the covered word might be based on context and comprehension clues. I write those guesses on a whiteboard. Then I uncover the first letter of the covered word, and we eliminate the guesses that won’t work. Then, if more than one guess still applies, I uncover the last letter of the word. We keep playing like this until we have completely uncovered the covered word. Then we sing the song. I don’t play this game in my Sing Into Reading classes. But in Sing Into Reading, we get to sing more songs and do more finger plays. And, while there is a lot of movement in both classes, we move more in Sing Into Reading.
I often use “zipper songs” in my classes. These are songs that take ideas from the students and “zip” them right into the song. (For example, “Old McDonald” is a zipper song - What animal did YOU see on Old McDonald’s Farm?) Zipper songs give children a sense of ownership over the song and help them feel empowered. These songs are often called “fill in the blank” songs because when you write them out, you put blanks for the children to fill in. Zipper songs are a powerful teaching tool. In Sing Into Reading, I use them for Modeled Writing. In Kindergarten Club, I use them for Guided Writing, Interactive Writing, and Independent Writing. In Sing Into Reading Classes, most of the writing I ask the children to do is writing their name, writing stories by drawing pictures or illustrating songs as reading comprehension activities. If your child is writing words using inventive spelling, they are probably ready for Kindergarten Club.
My next Kindergarten Club trial will not be until July. I keep my free classes separate from my memberships. My membership classes are small classes where we all get to know each other well, and the children look forward to seeing their friends. I am not, by nature, a businessperson or an entrepreneur. (These are skills I am learning.) I am a teacher. Every decision I make in my business, I ask myself, “What is best for the children?” I know that the children feel best in stable relationships, and having lots of people coming and going does not help them feel safe and stable. They thrive on stability.
If you would like to join Kindergarten Club, and meet us this Monday, please write to me. There is a 7 day money-back guarantee, so, there is really no risk. (I have not had to use it yet because everyone so far is thrilled!)
Either way, I am glad you are signed up for our class June 3. I know you are going to love it!
