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Welcome to our Kindergarten Class page!
(otherwise known as the “Kinder-K-pers”)
Kindergarten is such a special and rewarding year as we actually start to ‘read and write’ and engage as part of ‘The Big School’.
The beauty and success at Asmara International Community School is that the majority of students have attended the Pre/K Program that is very much part of the existing Junior School Program. This means that children are already familiar with their surroundings, staff, classmates and the older children in the school which would otherwise be seen as ‘bigger’ or negatively, ‘bullies’… we have none of that. In-fact, even those children that have come to join our exciting class, they too, have settled quickly… unlike larger or more westernized schools!
Kindergarten is a rewarding and very busy year; fulfilling the hopes and dreams of 4 and 5 year olds that they “can read and write”…in-fact “do anything!”
This 2009-10 Academic year, we are again an exceptionally large class but not short on the excitement, learning and fun!
We are still children after all, and really love, and benefit from ‘hands-on” experiences! We are well represented in that of the 14 children, we have a wonderful array of Nationalities and Cultures to be shared and enhanced (Eritrean, Australian. Italian, French, American, German, and Ethiopian).
Considering this is our fist year in school, our talent and abilities are very much supported by the adaptation of the ‘Westernized’ and very successful Early Years Literacy and Numeracy Models. Our daily sessions revolve around a teaching model that is “whole class, small group, and whole class/ reflection”. This means that individual needs are consistently, progress, and more importantly met!
Another great thing about our school is that we are part of IBO, and adhere to recent Primary Years Programs, Resources, Teaching Practices and Content. Alike the Junior School, we too, undertake and integrate 6 Units of Inquiry throughout the Academic Year: making it ideal for any ‘International’ traveling student or prospective student within the rest of the World.
Our Units of Inquiry are exciting; skills based, and planned to equip us as ‘life long learners’. They are incorporated and ‘integrated’ as part of every day and termly learning and Curriculum.
Unlike other schools, Kindergarten at Asmara International Community School, is unique and ensures that we, as one of the youngest groups, do not miss out!
We are now old enough, and participate in a full school day of school and also have a large selection of Afternoon Activities to choose from, like the rest of the Junior and Elementary School.
During the week, Kindergarten are benefited by also attending Art, Music, Library, P.E and ESL (English as a Second Language) sessions twice a week with Specialist Teachers!
We even have special, friendly, and much admired ‘Reading Buddies’ that visit us twice a week. At the moment they are assisting us or we show them our growing reading abilities. Next Semester, we will be working with them to use the Computer Labs and demonstrate more of our learning and capabilities so far!
Kindergarten is an important and often considered to be the most difficult, yet rewarding and foundational year of schooling. At Asmara International Community School we support this. We make every opportunity of learning, inquiry, play and investigation, both a memorable and promising one!
So what do we do?
· Literacy
· Mathematics
· Inquiry
· Music
· ESL
· Art
· Library
· P.E
Literacy: is of paramount importance. It is ‘integrated into every aspect of our daily Curriculum and content. Students benefit from exposure to a range of enlarged text types (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Recipes, Stories, Choral Reading, Songs/Rhyme, and Finger Plays. They are fun, yet teach the importance of the Beginning Practices of a well-rounded and successful Reader. Given the small class size, we are able to cater for individuals and base Reading Groups very much upon an ever changing daily and skills-based approach. Students also have the opportunity to apply their developing writing, fine-motor and reading skills to fun and hands-on activities and tasks. Literacy Groups are formed allowing students to learn, contribute and reflect both individually, as a small group, or as a class. All elements of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listing are considered, fostered and developed.
Mathematics: alike Literacy, we have found that and as Research suggests, small group activities benefit both individual’s needs and growing skills. It allows for immediate and one-to-one assistance and planning. During Maths students are either part of a small ‘focus’ group involving immediate teaching instruction, modeling and assistance, otherwise undertake necessary and appropriate self-corrective activities that can be undertook individually or with the assistance of an Aide. These activities are carefully designed to introduce, practice and reinforce new, existing and developing mathematical skills and concepts. Mathematics is fun…so much so, that we also have a fun-filled afternoon where we have a Maths Rotation that is comprised of fun-filled learning games and hands-on activities.
Inquiry: ‘Inquiry –Based’ learning has proven to be the most emergent, student-based and ‘Internationally accepted way of both Teaching Practice and Assessment, and overall student learning. Each Unit of Inquiry studied in Kindergarten is successive to their year in Grade 1. Our Units of Inquiry encompass all elements of the ‘traditional’ History, Geography, Personal Development and Environment. In Kindergarten we cover 6 Units of Inquiry throughout the Academic Year:
These Units are Internationally Accredited and utilized. The beauty is that they encourage our growing children to e well-balanced and life long learners”’. They begin to explore the various learning styles that exist and intrinsic and independent learning styles and skills that can, will and do develop!
Students are driven by their growing curiosity, at the same time, encompassing important and vital elements needed at this stage to a 5-6 year old. Students gain a conscious, curious, self-reflective behavior…more importantly, are able to reflect and undertake seeking answers for themselves!
Within such they learn to be a ‘positive and confident’ learner, resolve problems independently and become the child whom asks “who, when, where and why”...and find the answers!
ESL: For some students, we attend 2 English as a Second Language (ESL) Sessions a week. We are benefited by the support and instruction of the Professional ESL Instruction of Mrs. Williams. Students enjoy these sessions as well as benefit from the small group activities that enhance and build upon the children’s understanding and use of English.
Music: We are very fortunate to have access and be instructed by one of Eritrea’s popular and local artists. We attend Music/Drama with Mr. Girmay twice a week who supports our existing Units of Inquiry, class content…but also proves to be all so capable in having children rehearse various Plays and Musicals for the school, parents and wider community.
Art:Art and craft is very much part of our daily learning and activities. During these activities children develop and strengthen their fine motor skills and coordination – important for beginning writing skills and letter formation. We do, however, also attend 2 Art Sessions a week with Ms. Kokob. The children love these times as they experiment with a variety of media and discover the many elements of technique and design. Throughout the year the children produce pieces that are related to our Units of Inquiry, special events and celebrations and products of their growing art appreciation.
Library: For a small school, we have a wealth of various and quality books for children. The students gain and build upon their appreciation of literature and books twice a week with Mr. Merhawi. During each session, students are stimulated by various texts and activities which are related to our current Units of Inquiry, interests and designed to develop a broader appreciation of literature.
P.E:At Asmara International Community School we recognize the importance physical exercise and activity plays in our daily lives and overall development as a ‘whole child’. In Kindergarten we are fortunate to attend 2 P.E Sessions a week with Mr. Ghirmay. The weather is always sunny one day…perfect the next! This enables us to appreciate and always be outdoors.
Kindergarten really is the place to be!
Thank you for visiting our class page. Please visit again as we share more of our learning and fun at school.
Ms. Lija Bate |
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