Kindergarten

Our teachers support each child’s emotional well-being, ensuring that they are confident to take part in new activities and work with others. We provide the children with experiences and support that lead them to develop a positive sense of themselves, as well as respect for others, social skills, and a positive disposition to learn.

We support and extend the children’s learning and competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Children are provided with opportunities and encouragement to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves, and speaking and listening in a range of situations. Our kindergarteners will master the English language rapidly, and will gain the ability to communicate with both peers and adults fluently.

We follow the Jolly Phonics programme, whilst also enjoying the learning process through a variety of games and open-ended activities. Children learn to imitate sounds, rhythms and patterns, use simple words and phrases, and non-verbal communication strategies in familiar situations. They begin to read and write simple words with visual cues. The children have access to a wide range of reading materials at school to ignite their interest in books. Arabic is introduced in KG-2. Children listen to stories, rhymes, letter sounds and songs that are the basis of early Arabic. They also learn to write the letters.

The children are supported in developing their understanding of mathematics in a broad range of contexts through which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practice, and talk about their developing understanding of numbers, shape, space, and measurement. They are provided with a wide range of opportunities to practice their mathematical skills, and to gain confidence in using mathematical language and concepts.

We fully support the children in developing their knowledge and understanding in order to help them make sense of a growing and technological world. We encourage them to take an active part in the community through walks and by supporting a variety of charities. We promote Emirati values within our KG, as well as celebrate a variety of festivals and celebrations from other cultures and beliefs. Parents play an integral part in this and are encouraged to come into the school and contribute to the children’s understanding. Our curriculum also includes a variety of activities that provide opportunities for the children to care for the natural world and the man-made world.

We encourage the children’s physical development through a variety of opportunities to be active, to improve their coordination, and to control both their fine and gross motor skills. Children are supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food and lifestyle. Our curriculum includes the opportunity for the children to explore their fine motor skills through activities such as pegging, spooning, and cutting. Children are encouraged to develop their gross motor skills in the soft play room and during our daily outdoor activities. They also have the opportunity to explore football, free- dance, Zumba and other fitness classes each week.

The children’s creativity is supported through our provision of materials and equipment, as well as through the extra STEAM and Free-flow sessions that they participate in. They are encouraged to explore and share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings through a variety of mediums, such as art, music, movement, dance, and imaginative role-play activities.

STEAM has been integrated within the KG Curriculum to engage students in hands on LEGO, Blocks and Puzzles involving a seamless integration of elements of Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Math, all built into a life-worthy learning story. Students build projects using LEGO and blocks which further develops their critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Free flow provides a richer learning environment for young children. It offers a wider learning experience at children’s own pace encouraging them to use their imaginations. It allows children to move independently between environments, choosing to play inside and outdoors. It boosts emotional and physical well-being and confidence in every child. Free flow gives children more space and freedom to explore the world around them, letting them make decisions and connect learning to real-life.

Free flow will be evident at our Kindergarten in various ways that involve-

• reading picture story books
• building blocks
• making props using age appropriate resources
• role playing
• water, play-doh and sand play
• active play with playground equipment for climbing, balancing, sliding, exploring kinetic play equipments
• providing imaginative, creative or sensory tubs
• creating a playhouse, shopping corner, age appropriate construction area to boost the interest of engineering minds.

We at OOB work closely with parents, providing regular feedback and assessment to encourage children in what they particularly enjoy, excel in, or to help them in areas they may find more challenging. Parents are involved in assessing and giving constructive feedback about the quality of teaching and learning. They can be as involved as they wish either by simply attending events or becoming class representatives and helping to organize the events.

Regular coffee mornings are held for parents, offering an opportunity to informally discuss any matters linked to individual classes or learners.