A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by PEP for kindergarten--regular, and academically disadvantaged students (Chapter I and at-risk). The main components of this program have been used successfully for migrant, special education, bilingual education (Spanish) and ESL students in primary grades. The program is used in all 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan, and 14 foreign countries.

Description Kindergarten Integrated Thematic Experiences (KITE) effectively combines child-initiated and teacher-directed activities within a planned environment. This multisensory program utilizes oral language, manipulatives, music, and play.

KITE emphasizes all areas of development--cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional. The varied KITE experiences integrate language arts, math, art, music, literature, social studies, science, drama, and physical education experiences. It assists teachers in moving from traditional toward developmentally appropriate practices.

Through developmentally appropriate activities, children use concrete objects, have meaningful interactions with materials, adults, and each other; and experience structured and informal oral language. These interactions enable children to assimilate abstract concepts.

Language and interest is stimulated by the use of imaginary outer space characters--Astro and Astra.

During teacher-directed instructional time, the program utilizes discovery with a game-like presentation of materials and positive teacher feedback. There is positive recognition of and a belief in the ability of each child to succeed. The contents of Astro and Astra's KITE Motivational Bag delight children and foster teacher creativity. Literature, poem charts, and math charts are used for whole language development. The program includes interactive large- and small-group activities.

The KITE program provides essential program motivation, contains lesson materials for the units, and stimulates curiosity in the children. Astro and Astra display various feelings, thus enabling the children to identify with them. The program promotes a thematic, developmentally appropriate, integrated curriculum.

Evidence of Effectiveness Regular and at-risk students demonstrate significantly greater positive academic growth on pre-posttest models. Soft data--teacher testimonials of child success and joy of learning with Astro and Astra, imaginary outer space characters. Hard data--NCE gains (info. available upon request).

Requirements The program can be implemented by a single teacher, whole school, or entire district. A one-day training session is required for adoption.

There is a one-time start-up cost for basic nonconsumable materials per classroom. Additional materials to enhance the program are available.

Costs Materials--Start-up (one-time expenditure) $134.50 per classroom; Awareness-negotiable. Training--One-day expenses and honorarium $300 (negotiable); two-hour training video-no charge (30-day loan).

Services Written awareness materials, a 50-minute video, and grant-writing packets are available. Program staff are available to attend out-of-state awareness meetings; numerous demonstration sites and certified trainers are also available. Training is conducted at the program or adopter site. Implementation and follow-up services are available to adopters (costs to be negotiated). A three- to four-day Certified Trainer workshop is held annually in the San Francisco area in the last week of June.

Contact

Jeanne Stout Burke, Director, KITE, Sunshine Gardens School, 1200 Miller Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080. (415) 588-8082, FAX (415) 343-8720.

Developmental Funding: Local.
PEP No. 90-11 (2/9/90)

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[High/Scope Preschool Curriculum]

[On The Way to SUCCESS in Reading and Writing with Early Prevention of School Failure (Ages 4-7)]