Good afternoon KG1 families,
This week, as part of literacy development, we encouraged the children to create their own narratives. We started by reading Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough, a fun story about a puppy who discovers he has the magical ability to fly. Afterwards, we discussed which pets we would choose if we could pick any animal—real or imaginary. During the morning, each child had the chance to share their ideas, with teachers prompting them with questions such as, “What might your pet look like?” “What would it eat?” and “What would you do together?” The children’s responses were wonderfully imaginative, and included unicorn cats, flying dogs, dragons, and candy-eating rainbow fish! We then used an AI application to create pictures of each child’s imaginary pet based on their descriptions. The finished pages, with text and illustrations, were made into a class book for everyone to enjoy.
In mathematics, we introduced a new and challenging concept: counting sounds instead of objects. To start, we invited children to take turns pulling a number card from a bag and then clapping together to match the number. For example, if a child drew the number three, we all clapped three times. Afterward, we placed the numbers in order from zero to ten. To build on this, we played a “magic counting” game where the children had to listen closely as the teacher tapped a hidden set of claves (wooden sticks) behind her back. The children then counted the number of taps they heard, with the taps kept below five to keep it manageable. Counting sounds can be tricky, so we will continue practising this skill along with regular counting activities in the weeks to come.
Also this week, we focused on learning problem-solving techniques to help children handle minor social conflicts. We read Llama Llama and the Bully Goat, by Anna Dewdney, where the main character and his friends learn how to deal with a classmate who isn’t being kind. The children were themselves able to identify the strategies that Llama Llama used; saying “Stop” and also asking a teacher for help. We then explored other helpful strategies, such as using a timer to take turns, asking politely when we want something, and sharing.
This week’s photos offer a small glimpse into our music lesson with Mr. Mino. The children acted out the lifecycle of a caterpillar to music, moving through each stage—from eggs to small caterpillars, then cocoons hanging from a leaf, and finally transforming into butterflies flying around the room. This linked perfectly with what we have been doing in class, with reading nonfiction books about caterpillars, and frequent re-reading of the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
We would like to remind you that the end of next week has been declared a holiday for the occasion of National Day. This means that next Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st November there will be no school. Wishing you all a good weekend,
Kristina, Buthaina and Rahma.
