Welcome to our Back to School Curriculum Night!

The Plan for Tonight n A little about our teaching team n The GWA approach to education n Our class Essential Agreements n The year ahead academically n Communication n How You Can Support

A Little About Us –Ms. Sarah Saliba & Ms. Lucel(Lucy) Cabigas –Ms. Sarah is from Canada & –Ms. Lucy is from the Philippines –Ms. Sarah has taught in Canada, Lebanon, and Dubai, teaching for 10 years this is my 4 th year at GWA –Ms. Lucy has taught in the Philippines and Dubai, this is her 8 th year at GWA – Educational qualification: –Early Childhood Education- Ms. Sarah –Science- Ms. Lucy –Ms. Sarah-two children-Jessica a fellow dragon in Grade 1 and Julie 11 months old –Ms. Lucy-1 son-Tim 2 years old Ms. Sarah Ms. Lucy

GWA Approach to Education n Inquiry based n Integrated(units of inquiry and lessons) n Challenged according to what students are ready to learn next (developmental approach) n Differentiation, activity based, small group and individualized learning

Role of Play in Early Childhood n Inquiry through play-based learning provides children with purposeful opportunities to develop essential skills and knowledge n Play provides opportunities to explore, create, develop social skills, role-play, express themselves, learn about emotions, release stress, test limits, take risks, and enjoy themselves n Play supports both the academic and social aspects of learning through a child’s perspective. n Teacher’s role is to act as the facilitator; to guide students in generating their own questions about their learning and help them locate the resources they need to find their own answers.

How We Know What Students Have Learned n Prior knowledge to drive inquiry n Assessment (observations, authentic) n Process oriented more often than product (reflection of learning) n Portfolios (shows progression throughout the year). Kids can reflect on their work. n Student Led Conferences (later in the year, Around April)

Class Essential Agreements n Embody the Learner Profile n Our classroom essential expectations fosters shared responsibility n What we are encouraging and how you can help at home (consistency)

The Year Ahead Academically n Units of Inquiry overview –Who We Are: Our Senses n Central Idea: We use our senses to find out about ourselves, each other and the environment –We will be inquiring into the following: n The five senses n How we use our senses to learn about the world n Why senses are important and the impact of their absence. n Our other units of inquiry –How the World Works: ”Water” –Sharing the Planet: “Minibeasts” –How We Express Ourselves: “Tell Me a Story” n

The Year Ahead Academically Fine Motor

ICT in the Program n How we integrate ICT skills

Communication How can we work together? How can we work together? All classroom news and upcoming events will be posted on the Weebly site. All classroom news and upcoming events will be posted on the Weebly site. n n n Click on Kg 1 Page and then your teacher’s initals n Click KG 1 SS tab for our class information n Many ways to be in touch (including face-to-face, mail folders, news letters, , weebly) n Address questions as they come up; we have an open door policy

Supporting Learning at Home n How parents can help Independence, Independence, INDEPENDENCE!!! At home: dressing alone, toilet routine-washing up, meal times-eating, setting the table, taking responsibility of their school bag, quick goodbye’s at the school door. –No official homework in KG1 – Encourage questions/ inquiry through modeling modeling –Talk to your child about their day, ask specific questions rather than general

EC SUPPORT TEAM Margaret Sikora Music Teacher Nina Garza-Taskin Counselor Anita Henry Early Childhood Librarian Martin Hamilton Swimming Teacher Olly Olorenshaw PE Teacher Neal Clark ICT Teacher Emma Hamilton Art Teacher

Important Classroom Notes Students snack and lunch-please ensure items are nut free-students with allergies Hat-outdoor play Water Bottle labeled with your child’s name and sent daily and refilled as needed at school Swimsuits for swimming-blue colour All items clearly labeled-water bottles, food containers, bags, clothing, Important Classroom Notes Students snack and lunch-please ensure items are nut free-students with allergies Hat-outdoor play Water Bottle labeled with your child’s name and sent daily and refilled as needed at school Swimsuits for swimming-blue colour All items clearly labeled-water bottles, food containers, bags, clothing,