Transitional Kindergarten

"Young Fives" may be old enough for kindergarten, but are they developmentally ready? To address the needs of these children, Cherrywood Academy is offering transitional kindergarten (TK) classes, which promote positive socialization, hands-on learning, and emergent literacy. But there’s also an ample amount of play time. After a year of TK, children are better prepared for the year ahead.

Sometimes programs call “Choice Time” free play, free choice, play time, work time, center time… Creative Curriculum refers to it as Choice Time. Each student chooses an interest area to work in and will move around the room as they choose. Typically, Choice Time lasts 1 hour uninterrupted and does not include clean up time. The children can choose from 8 interest areas; Art Center, Dramatic Play Area, Block Center, Music Center, Library, Fine motor Center, Science Center, Sand & Water Area. The teacher’s role is to observe, assist children in accomplishing their play goals, and look for opportunities for expanding children's activities and thinking. Learn more about each center below and what you can do at home

Library

Dramatic play

Meet Our Teachers

My name is Mrs. Victoria, and I am excited to be the teacher for TK this year. I have a true passion for early childhood education and feel honored to support children as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

I am a proud mother of three—an 11-year-old son and two daughters who are 4 and 8 years old. Working with children has always been a meaningful part of my life, and I have been fortunate to do so for as long as I can remember.

I have been with the Gloucester Township School District for three years and I am now excited to be at Cherrywood Academy. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, exploration, and success.

Assistant Teacher

Head Teacher

Mail

Kaitlyn Langer

Mail

Victoria Dillard

Hi everyone! I’m Kaitlyn Martinson and I am thrilled to be part of the teaching team this year. I hold a degree in Fine Arts, which helps me bring a lot of creativity into our daily lessons. I became an assistant teacher to help students navigate learning challenges—something I have personal experience with myself!

When I’m not at school, you can find me outdoors camping, capturing the world through my camera lens, or relaxing with a video game at home. I live with my spouse and our three pets: a dog and two cats.