Welcome to GAA’s Back to School Night

for KG1

The KG Team

KG1-A Caroline Keyes & Ms. Susan

KG1-B Lucy Peachey & Ms. Janine

KG1-C Tara Feeney & Ms. Tita

KG1-D Lucy Abraham & Ms. Glaiza

KG1-E Angela Curry & Ms. Judy

KG1-F Caitriona Robinson & Ms. Edna

KG1-G Carla Heard & Ms. Donna

KG1-H Ashling Brody & Ms. Karen

KH1-I Niamh Callanan & Ms. Hazel

PYP Coordinator Kristine Zydel

Vice Principal Sally Potts

Daily Schedule

7:45 Start U.A.E National Anthem and Attendance

Morning Circle ( Calendar, Day schedule)

Healthy Snack & Recess

Integrated Whole Group Session & Centers (Center activities based on current PYP unit, literacy, math, fine

motor skills, etc.)

Healthy Lunch and Recess

Specialist block

Specialist block

Snack

Story time

Free choice centers

Pack bags and Closing Circle

Dismissal at 2:45pm

A day in KG1

Specialists

Arabic Ms. NahidaMs. Nadia

Art Ms. JannaMs. Kathy

Drama Ms. Helen

Kitchen Lab Ms. Erin

Library Ms. Le’Jon

Music Ms. Caitlin

P.E. Ms. VickyMs. Claire

School wide essential agreements.

· Be safe.· Be willing to try.· Be kind.· Be respectful.

Our classroom agreements were student driven. Your child discussed what they thought were good or not so good choices and decided what our essential agreements were.

Our PYP Units of Inquiry this academic year are:

• Who We Are• How the World Works• Sharing the Planet

• How We Express Ourselves

Why Play Based Learning? Young children work hard at play. They invent scenes and stories, solve problems, and negotiate their

way through social roadblocks. They know what they want to do and work diligently to do it - their

motivation comes from within, they learn the powerful lesson of pursuing their own ideas to a successful conclusion.

When children are given a chance to initiate play and exploratory learning, they become highly skilled in the art of self-education and self-regulation.

The Role of the Teacher The play-based approach calls for teachers to know each child well and

to differentiate the teaching methods to meet individual needs. The teacher introduces new content and play materials to stimulate

their minds.

Play Based Learning

Circle time New vocab Daily routine and what to expect

everyday Recognize numbers and the calendar

and their correct order

Play dough Shapes  Size Express feelings Fine motor Express our imagination and

creativity

Blocks Concept of size, length and location Balance and symmetry To express ideas and exercise our

imaginations Create patterns and symbols

Family Corner To be flexible in our thinking To express ourselves with our

words To try on different adult roles To make decisions

Library That books are important and

enjoyable To exercise our imaginations To recognize words when they

see them in print The development of thoughts

and ideas in the plot of a story That pictures tell a story

PYP Learner Profile

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-Minded Caring Risk-Takers Balanced Reflective

Assessment

All our assessments inform our instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.

These include: Work samples Observations Checklists Self assessment/reflection Student Portfolios

At the end of the first 6 weeks of KG 1 your child will receive a transition report

We report twice per year, followed by conferences in which student, parents and teacher meet to discuss learning and set goals

Reporting

Differentiation

In our classes, we will be working in small groups to do our best to ensure all student needs are met.

After various assessments, specific activities are developed to meet the students current needs and move them forward. Groupings are flexible with students moving around based on their progress and their academic goals.

Parental Engagement at GEMS:An effective solution

talk about what they’re learning in and out of school

Let them share what they’re doing in school and learn together at home – let them READ

Most importantly, encourage their efforts and progress

Parking

Ideally we would like to see parents dropping their children off and teachers and E.A.’s will escort them to their class from 7:30.

If you choose to escort your child into the building please park in a designated parking spot. Thank you.

If your child is not napping during the day, the average number of hours sleep for a 3-5 year old is 11 / 12 hours.

The Importance of Sleep

Birthday Parties

Swimming

Labeling clothes and equipment

No hat no play

Healthy eating

Other KG 1 Business