FAQ

These are all questions that I am asked each and every year.  Kindergarten is new for not only your child but for 
parents as well. Kindergarten has changed a lot since when we went to school.  The focus is much more on 
academics and less on play.  Read below to find the answers to many frequently asked questions.   
  1. If my child is already reading will he/she be bored?
  2. What is differentiated instruction?
  3. How do I know my child independent reading level?
  4. What is PAW?
  5. What assessments are administered at the kindergarten level?
  6. When does gifted education start at Woodland?



If my child is already reading will he/she be bored?

Kindergarten classrooms are made up of children who are reading and children who have never 
gone to pre-school. Each teacher will differentiate instruction for students based on their
abilities. Parents must remember that kindergarten is also about following school rules,
developing appropriate social skills and basic everyday routines such as hanging up coats and
back packs and getting to your desk all independently. If your child is reading please visit the
"Readers" tab to find out what a good reader should be able to do and ways you can help your
child at home.
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What is differentiated instruction?

Differentiated instruction is the process of ensuring that what a student learns, how he/she 
learns it and how the students demonstrates what he/she has learned is a match for that
students readiness level, interests and preferred mode of learning. A students level will be
identified through assessments given by the classroom teacher or the Literacy Specialist. The
level on instruction is not only based on a students academic level but on performance in the
classroom.
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How do I know my child independent reading level?

Please see the Reading Levels Tab.
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What is PAW?

Phonological Awareness @ Woodland.  This is a bag that comes home with students who are 
struggling in the area of reading and phonemic awareness. Students are identified based on
assessment scores. PAW is run by each classroom teach and overseen by the Literacy. specialist
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What assessments are administered at the kindergarten level?

There are many assessments given in Kindergarten to monitor the progress of each student.  
BElow are the assessments that are given.
Welcome week assessment
ISEL-letter identification and sounds
Developmental spelling test
Writing
Rhyming
Sequencing
Star words
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When does gifted education start at Woodland?

Children are considered for gifted education in the third grade.  
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