It is already the end of the first week for our youngest learners in KG1 and we are very proud of how the children have been settling into their new environment. They are learning routines, getting to know each other and becoming increasingly comfortable in class. There has been a lot to explore and learn about. Inside the classroom they have enjoyed discovering the resources on offer including puzzles, construction toys, the role play area, mark-making, playdough and other sensory experiences. We are happy to see that we have an enthusiastic class community of readers, and the classroom library area has been a popular space this week, with children exploring books individually, in pairs or with a teacher.
This week the children also began to work on taking ownership of the classroom by creating collaborative artwork. We began this process with some handprint art. We invited pairs of children to work together. One child chose the colour(s) they wanted to use on each hand, before their partner gently painted the palms with those colours. The child with painted hands then carefully made handprints on a large piece of paper. The children then swapped places, so that the second partner could choose colour(s) and make their mark. The end result was a large painting containing the handprints of each child who took part. Working together like this involved communication skills and social skills -the need to be gentle and caring to a partner. We hope that engaging in collaborative artwork (of which this is the first), and then seeing it displayed in our environment, will help to ensure that the children feel a collective sense of belonging to their class and a sense of pride in the attractive and inviting classroom they have helped to create. The photographs attached show the children engaged in this experience.
Swimming Announcement: As you will have heard from Ms Nuria, swimming will begin next week. KG1 will have their swimming class every Tuesday morning until Ramadan begins. Swimming is not only an important part of our curriculum at ABIS, but also a vital life skill. With this in mind, we kindly ask that every Tuesday you ensure your child brings the following to school in a separate bag:
- Swim cap
- Swim goggles
- One-piece swimsuit for girls
- Swim trunks or shorts for boys
- Flip flops
- Towel
- Wet bag
We thank you for your support in ensuring that your child is able to be actively involved in their swimming lessons.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Wishing you all a good weekend and looking forward to seeing the children next week for their second week of school,
Ms Kristina, Ms Buthaina and Ms Rahma