TK Explorers News and Updates
About TK Explorers
TK Explorers is Cottonwood’s program designed specifically for TK homeschool students. Homeschooling families will have access to:
- Expert guidance from our seasoned early childhood educators.
- Engaging play sessions to bond with other families.
- Exclusive TK-centric events.
- Interactive HLT Circle Time via Zoom.
- Curriculum pacing for recommended curriculum
Recommended Curriculum
Our team of TK experts, homeschool parents, and librarians partnered to select a curriculum we can confidently recommend for your TK student. Our school-recommended curriculum is
- play-based
- engaging
- easy-to-use
- and lays a strong foundation for your TK student to enter Kindergarten and beyond.
School-Recommended TK Curriculum Bundle
The TK Curriculum Bundle includes pacing guides and expert support from our TK Explorer Coordinators.
- Starfall Pre-K – This comprehensive program blends math, science, health, creative arts, social studies, physical movement, early literacy, social-emotional learning, guided instruction, and imaginative play.
- Singapore Dimensions Math – Singapore math is focused on mastery, achieved through intentional sequencing of math concepts, instead of pushing rote memorization. Students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lesson
- Recommended Add-ons
Parents have the option to add these items to their student’s curricula. - Cottonwood TK Circle Time – to promote social and academic development.
- Handwriting Without Tears ( KickStart Kindergarten) – a research-backed curriculum designed to be easy to teach and learn, based on explicit instruction and guided practice to promote handwriting automatically.
- Singapore Math TK-5 Manipulatives Kit – Manipulatives help students visualize and represent math concepts.
Parents can order our Recommended Curriculum in Procurify. If you need a refresher on how to place an order, please click on the link below.
Ordering is EASY:
- Open Procurify.
- Select from the catalog and order the TK bundle for your student.
- Tax & Shipping bundle is not required when ordering Curriculum Bundles.
TK Bundle
Starfall All-In-One Curriculum Kit with Teacher’s Guide
Starfall Online (free through Clever)
Math: Singapore Dimensions PKA/PKB
Cottonwood TK Circle Time (optional)
Supplemental Add-Ons (can be ordered separately in Procurify):
Handwriting without Tears (KickStart Kindergarten)
Singapore Math TK-5 Manipulatives Kit (Purchase once. Good for TK-5)
TK Explorers Team
Gina Elardi
TK Teacher
Gina loves to collaborate with families and has a unique talent for guiding young learners and supporting families on their homeschool journey. Gina served as a School Readiness Specialist and preschool teacher, facilitating smooth transitions to Kindergarten. Gina’s expertise and passion for playful learning make homeschool TK fun and engaging for parents and students alike!
gina.elardi@cottonwoodk12.org
Lorraine Loria
TK Teacher
With 20+ years in early childhood education, including a decade as lead teacher for 3-5-year-olds, Lorraine’s expertise shines. Lorraine served as a Curriculum Specialist and Early Literacy Coach for a large local district, and as an experienced and beloved Cottonwood Homeschool and Boost teacher. Her infectious passion for young learners will enchant our TK families and students.
TK Explorers Park Days
TK park days are the perfect opportunity to connect with other TK parents and our TK teachers while your TK Explorer plays with friends and engages in activities tailored specifically for them!
TK Explorers Circle Time
Join us for TK Explorers Circle Time as we unpack the resources in Starfall and Singapore Math to explore new stories, songs, and skills with your students. Whether you’re using the recommended curriculum or another curriculum, join us! All TK Explorers are welcome and will have fun exploring and learning with Gina and Lorraine!
TK Explorer Circle Time
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00-9:15 AM
Wednesday, Friday 1:30-1:45 PM
TK Explorers at School Events
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Additional TK Resources
