Skip to content

Early Learning report given at Cornerstone board meeting

A three-part report on “Early Learning 101” was provided to the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division, during their monthly board meeting in Weyburn on April 21.
Baby at computer

A three-part report on “Early Learning 101” was provided to the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division, during their monthly board meeting in Weyburn on April 21.
Sandi Klatt, coordinator of early learning, provided the board with a presentation regarding programs from birth to Grade 3 in Cornerstone, with the assistance of three teachers.
The three-part report, which included numerous pictures as well as video content, focused on the four principles of Early Childhood Education. These principles are: Children as Competent Learners, Development and Learning as Holistic, Relationships as Opportunities and Environments as Stimulating and Dynamic.
In addition, Klatt spoke of professional development opportunities, site visits, the Early Learning and Care and Early Literacy teams, caseloads, First Nations support and early literacy in schools.
In support of the report, Tammy Grieve, pre-Kindergarten teacher at Haig School in Weyburn, gave a Powerpoint presentation showcasing the success of the pre-Kindergarten program which started about eight years ago.
The vision and strengths of the program as well as the various partnerships with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, the school division, school and community that have grown along the way.
Grieve also highlighted the school division’s early learning priority. She spoke of personal professional growth through education, the Cornerstone mentorship program and the work of Early Learning and Care Consultant Jacquie Gibbs.
The focus in Grieve’s classroom is on creating a culture of caring and regular communication with families. Klatt noted that Grieve can be described as a model pre-K teacher.
Grieve also emphasized the importance of home visits which are done at the beginning of the school year as a way to reinforce ongoing relationships and to build new relationships with potential students. This is an aspect of the program that she enjoys.
There are 16 students in each of the morning and afternoon pre-Kindergarten classes which run from Monday to Thursday, with more registration applications than available seats. Children are selected based on need as outlined by the Ministry of Education.
Veteran teachers Rhonda Wilmot Stadnick (Grade 2) and Tenille Nichols (RTI) from Carnduff Education Complex spoke about the work that is occurring through the literary focus and collaboration.
They have set up a system where students can choose appropriate reading resources at their level that are of high interest. Then teachers motivate the students how to choose books that are a good fit for them.
Other factors that have impacted the success of the program include a structured ELA program which incorporates Daily 5 and consistently has some key essential components.
These include working with students one-on-one; small groups which allow for Daily 5 instructional strategy groups and the opportunity to model and guide specific skills; the goal to create independent learners; choice and responsibility around physical work environments; and collaboration, encouragement and support.