Learning Mathematics
In A.A.G.'s Early Childhood Program your child will have the opportunity to build mathematical concepts by manipulating objects and through real life experiences. Mathematics is incorporated into many everyday classroom routines. Concepts will be introduced in small group and whole group lessons. Students will apply what has been introduced through independent work at the math center. This approach to mathematics stresses understanding and concept development, rather than rote memorization and repetitive arithmetic drills.

Loving Literature-Learning Literacy
Our reading and writing program is designed to help young learners grow at their own pace toward literacy and develop self-confidence with respect to reading and writing. Learning letter sounds and enjoying good books are key components in our program. The classrooms are rich in language, emphasizing speaking as well as listening. It is important for each child to build the desire, confidence, and vocabulary to express themselves.

Other Learning Areas
Social Studies, Science and Health are taught throughout the program as they relate to the theme or topic of study. These topics are reinforced through art, stories, games, songs, and poems.

Arabic
PreK students are exposed to spoken Arabic with an emphasis on vocabulary development. KG1 and KG2 students are introduced to the Arabic alphabet and begin to write. Grade One students begin to read as well as write in Arabic. The Arabic teacher and the classroom teacher work together closely to combine units of study in both languages.

PE, Music, Computer, Art
School specialists teach the children physical education and music. Beginning computer skills are taught to KG2 and Grade One students. The specialist art teacher instructs all students in basic art skills.

Assessment

  Assessment like every other part of the early childhood program, will be developmentally appropriate. Authentic assessment is used often throughout the curriculum. Types of authentic assessment include observation, and the reporting devices for observation, such as anecdotal records, running records, and informal reading inventories. Portfolios, work samples, and products are methods of assessment the teacher uses to show growth and development. The purpose of assessment is to inform educators and parents of student's progress in school. We believe that each child has a different level of maturity and abilities. Understanding and encouragement are the most positive qualities used when assessing young learners.

  Assessment Procedure
The teacher will:

1. Maintain adequate student anecdotal records.
2. Build a portfolio of student's work to show growth and progress.
3. Evaluate and report student's progress to parents on the following schedule.
   • An informal note will be sent home to parents on a monthly basis.
   • Every six weeks a "review sheet" will be sent home to the parents. The teacher will evaluate the individual students and complete a form to inform the parents of their child's progress.
   • A formal progress report will be sent home to parents two times per year(Jan./May)
4. Take into account each child's style and pace of learning when assessing students abilities.

Ready or not? Preparing young children for the classroom

  Just when you've settled into the routine of the school year, it's time to think ahead to next year. With preschool and kindergarten now taking applications for next fall, you may find yourself asking: Will my child be ready? Will my child measure up?

  There is no one quality or skill that children need to do well in school- a combination of factors contributes to school success. These include physical well being, social and emotional maturity, language skills, an ability to solve problems and think creatively, and general knowledge about the world. School success also depends upon the "match" between children's skills and knowledge and the schools expectations. More children succeed when these expectations reflect knowledge of child development and early learning. American Academy for Girls has built a program in which all children can succeed to their full potential.

  Here are some suggestions of how you can help promote a successful learning experience for your child.

Parents can:

1. Promote good health and physical well being. Children obviously need nutritious food, enough sleep, safe places to play, and regular medical care. In addition to medical and dental checkups, and immunizations, young children need opportunities to exercise and develop physical coordination. Throwing balls, running, jumping, climbing, dancing to music--all of these activities will enhance coordination and help children learn important concepts such as up, down, inside, outside, over, and under.
2. Support your child's social and emotional development. Children who are kind, helpful, patient, and loving generally do better in school, and feeling good about oneself is an important aspect of developing desirable social skill. Tell your child how glad you are to be their parents. Set a good example for you child by showing what it means to get along with others and to be respectful. Give children chances to learn about sharing and caring, for example letting them feed hungry birds, or helping them make cookies to share with family and friends.
3. Build your child's language and general knowledge. There are many things you can do to help your child learn to communicate, and develop an understanding of the world. Don't underestimate the value of play! Play allows children to explore, be creative, and develop social skills. It also paves the way for academic learning. For example, children learn key concepts important in geometry while stacking blocks, and playing with others helps with negotiation skills.

Admissions Policy

KG1
  Children must be 4 years old by December 31, in order to enter the KG1 program.

KG2
  Children must be 5 years old by December 31, in order to enroll in KG2. Students new to A.A.G. must pass an admission test with a minimum score of 50%, in order to enter

Grade 1
  Children must be 6 years old by December 31, in order to enroll in Grade 1. Students new to A.A.G. must pass an admission test with a minimum score of 50%, in order to enter Grade 1.

Is Your Child Ready for School?
  AT A.A.G. we recognize that each child grows and develops at her/his own rate. A child who meets the admission requirements may not possess the skills and maturity necessary for a happy, successful year. Such a child may benefit from waiting to enroll in school or from repeating the year. This may help the student obtain the maturity and self-confidence needed to be productive.

Raising a reader

  Children learn to love the sound of language before they ever notice the existence of printed words on a page. They coo or babble when you talk or sing to them, and as they grow, rapidly pick up the concepts and words they hear used. Reading aloud with children is an essential component to language development and is one of the most important activities for preparing them to succeed as readers. As parents, you can help lay down the foundation for a love of reading and nurture children's development. Here are some things you can do to raise a lifelong reader:

  Talk, Sing, and Play
Young children delight in hearing language. Talk as you do simple everyday things together: recite nursery rhymes, and do finger plays, games and action songs.

  Make Time to Read
Try to read with your child every day at a regularly scheduled time. If possible, choose a time when you can be relaxed and not rushed. If you have more than one child, spend time reading with each child separately, especially if they're more than two years apart. On days that are particularly hectic, bring a few books when you take children along on errands. Taking time to read to children on a regular basis sends the message that reading is worthwhile.

  One More Time... PLEASE?!
As every adult who cares for children knows, they often ask to hear the same story again and again. They delight in knowing what comes next and often learn a favorite book so well that they can "read" it on their own. That favorite story may speak to your child's current interests and emotional needs, so it's important for the adults in their lives to be patient during this phase. Young children are eventually ready for different stories if they are continuously exposed to a variety of books.

  Slow Down
It's not just what you read to children, but how you read that matters. If adults rush through stories or read without enthusiasm, children quickly lose interest. Try to read with expression and use different voices for the characters. Reading at a leisurely pace with occasional pauses gives children time to take in what they hear, mull it over, and imagine the people, places, and events. Pose a question or make a remark that will prompt the child to think, express himself, or relate the story to his own experiences. It's also a good idea to follow children's cues. Sometimes they are caught up in the story and don't want stops and detours along the way.

  Choose Books with Care
Reading together often, you learn a lot about the kinds of books your child likes and understands. Visit the local bookstore and involve your child in deciding what to bring home. Selecting books that relate to what's happening in the child's life at that time is a good way to ease transitions and allay fears about upcoming events. Topics such as new siblings or moving to a new home are covered in a variety of books that are written specifically for young children.

  Don't Pressure Children About What or When to Read
Nagging children about their reading habits may cause them to resist reading all-together. Some school-age children choose to read only comic books or fan magazines after their homework is completed. Try not to criticize-after all, they are reading. If a child makes a mistake when reading aloud, don't interrupt. If the mistake doesn't change the meaning, let it go.

  Show That You Value Their Efforts
Nothing is more important for fostering readers than showing genuine enthusiasm. Ask your child to read to you , a younger child, or a special visitor. Talk with him about what he is reading and respond positively.