ENGAGE Extended Day Program

The Engage Extended Day Program is designed to provide a dynamic and engaging environment for students to explore their creativity and enhance their learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Below you will find an outline of the curriculum, learning extension activities, assessment methods, and resources that will be used in the program.

E

Enrichment Activities

Offer a variety of enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, music and movement, storytelling, and science experiments to engage the children in hands-on learning experiences.

N

Nature Exploration

Incorporate outdoor activities that allow children to explore nature, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, gardening, and birdwatching. This will help them develop an appreciation for the environment and foster a sense of curiosity about the world around them.

G

Games and Group Activities

Organize fun and interactive games and group activities to promote teamwork, social skills, and physical activity. These can include relay races, team-building exercises, and cooperative board games.

A

Arts & Creativity

Provide opportunities for children to express themselves creatively through art projects, music, drama, and dance. Encourage them to use their imagination and explore different mediums to unleash their creativity.

G

Guided Learning

Offer guided learning experiences that support academic development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Use age-appropriate materials and activities to reinforce classroom learning and help children develop essential skills in a fun and engaging way.

E

Exploration of Cultures

Introduce children to different cultures and traditions through activities such as cooking, storytelling, music, and art from around the world. This will promote cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity among the children.

Program Overview

The Engage Extended Day Program Program offers an innovative approach to after-school enrichment, providing students with opportunities to unleash their creativity, explore diverse subjects, and develop essential skills for success in the 21st century. By implementing a dynamic curriculum, incorporating learning extension activities, utilizing diverse assessment methods, and securing necessary resources, this program aims to inspire and empower students to become lifelong learners and creative thinkers.

Curriculum

In the Engage Extended Day Program for KG students, our commitment to extending the creative curriculum is unwavering. Through a dynamic blend of arts, STEM, and humanities, we aim to cultivate a rich learning environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Our teaching strategies are designed to inspire curiosity and exploration, encouraging students to delve into diverse themes and projects. Field trips and guest speakers enhance the learning experience by providing real-world context and sparking imagination. Moreover, our Gold assessment framework ensures that each student's progress is monitored and celebrated, guiding them towards success. By integrating these elements into the curriculum, we empower KG students to express themselves confidently and develop a lifelong love for learning. Here are some detailed and specific examples of how to achieve this:

Thematic Units with Integrated Arts and STEM:

Design thematic units that integrate various art forms (such as painting, drawing, music, and drama) with STEM concepts.

For instance, a thematic unit on "Space Exploration" could involve creating rocket ship art using recycled materials, learning about the planets through interactive storytelling, and conducting simple experiments to understand concepts like gravity and motion.

Project-Based Learning (PBL):

Implement project-based learning activities where students collaboratively work on hands-on projects related to real-world problems or scenarios. For example, students could work together to design and build a miniature garden using principles of engineering and botany, while also exploring concepts of sustainability and environmental science.

Field Trips and Guest Speakers:

Organize field trips to local art galleries, science museums, botanical gardens, or theaters to expose students to different forms of art, technology, and culture.

Invite guest speakers such as artists, scientists, engineers, or storytellers to share their expertise and inspire students with their experiences and creations.

Inquiry-Based Learning:

Encourage inquiry-based learning by posing open-ended questions and facilitating discussions to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.

For instance, during a nature-themed unit, encourage students to observe plants and insects in the school garden, ask questions about their characteristics and habitats, and explore possible answers through hands-on exploration and research.

Creative Expression through Multiple Mediums:

Provide opportunities for students to express themselves creatively through various mediums such as art, music, drama, and storytelling.

Allow for choice and autonomy in selecting mediums and tools for expression, fostering individuality and self-discovery.

Assessment Alignment

The Gold assessment framework is seamlessly integrated into the ENGAGE program, offering a holistic approach to evaluating student progress across the key developmental domains of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. This framework allows for:

Individualized Observation:

Teachers and program facilitators will use the Gold framework to observe and document students’ interactions, participation in projects, and engagement in thematic discussions. These observations are crucial for assessing individual and group progress in the core competencies.

Portfolio Documentation:

Students' work, from art projects to scientific explorations, will be compiled into portfolios. These portfolios, aligned with the Gold assessment criteria, provide tangible evidence of students' growth in creativity, their ability to think critically about the problems they've solved, how well they've worked in teams, and their development in communication skills.

Reflective Assessments:

Incorporating both self and peer assessments encourages students to reflect on their learning journey, fostering a deeper understanding of their own growth areas and achievements. The Gold framework supports this reflective process, making assessment an integral part of the learning experience rather than a separate, evaluative process.

Pre and Post Assessment:

Prior to each topic, students will take a pre assessment to determine prior knowledge and to see what areas they need to develop. At the completion of each topic, students will take a post-assessment to identify the areas that they exceeded or met expectations on and the areas that were below expectations for future intervention planning. This data will be tracked online by teachers and the Academic Program Coordinator.

The Gold assessment framework is seamlessly integrated into the ENGAGE program, offering a holistic approach to evaluating student progress across the key developmental domains of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. This framework allows for:

Learning Extension

Learning extension activities will be incorporated to deepen students' understanding and encourage exploration. These activities may include:

Reinforcement of Classroom skills and concepts:

Students will work on hands-on projects related to the theme of each session, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

Field Trips:

Visits to museums, art galleries, science centers, and other cultural institutions will provide students with opportunities to further explore topics of interest and gain inspiration for their creative endeavors.

Parent and Community Partnership:

Experts from different fields, such as artists, scientists, engineers, and writers, will be invited to share their experiences and insights with the students, broadening their perspectives and sparking their curiosity.

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:

Guided learning sessions with ENGAG are designed to challenge children’s thinking and encourage problem-solving in a collaborative setting. Students will receive open-ended questions and problems and use exploration to solve them.

Development of Social and Emotional Skills:

Social and emotional learning is woven throughout the ENGAGE program, with activities designed to build empathy, resilience, and communication skills. Games and group activities emphasize teamwork and relationship building.

Qualified Staff

Experienced educators and specialists in various fields (e.g., arts, sciences, humanities) to facilitate sessions and provide guidance to students.

Materials & Supplies

Manipulatives

Such as building blocks and puzzles help promote fine motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and early mathematical concepts like counting and sorting in our KG hands-on activities program. These materials provide tactile experiences that engage young learners and encourage exploration and experimentation.

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Sensory Materials

Like playdough and kinetic sand help stimulate sensory exploration and creativity in our KG hands-on activities program. These materials support language development, encourage imaginative play, and provide opportunities for children to express themselves while developing sensory integration skills.

Art Supplies

Such as paints, brushes, and construction paper are incorporated into our KG hands-on activities program to foster creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills development. Through art experiences, children explore different textures, colors, and techniques, nurturing their imagination and building confidence in their artistic abilities.

Science Exploration

Tools like magnifying glasses and simple experiment kits are utilized in our KG hands-on activities program to spark curiosity, critical thinking, and observation skills. These materials support early scientific inquiry and help children develop an understanding of basic scientific concepts through hands-on exploration and discovery.

Musical Instruments & Movement Props

Are integrated into our program to promote gross motor development, rhythm awareness, and self-expression. Through music and movement activities, children develop coordination, social skills, and an appreciation for different forms of creative expression.

Outdoor Exploration Tools

Like gardening tools and balls encourage physical activity, sensory exploration, and an appreciation for nature. These materials provide opportunities for open-ended play, stimulate curiosity about the natural world, and promote environmental awareness among young learners.

Literacy Materials

Such as picture books, alphabet puzzles, and storytelling props support language development, vocabulary acquisition, and early literacy skills. These materials engage children in interactive storytelling, promote phonemic awareness, and foster a love for reading and storytelling from an early age.

Educational Technology

Tools like tablets and interactive learning apps provide engaging and interactive learning experiences. These tools support skill development in various subjects, promote digital literacy, and offer opportunities for individualized learning and exploration in a technology-rich environment.

Safety Equipment

Such as goggles and mats are essential to ensure the physical safety of children during hands-on exploration and experimentation. These materials promote a safe learning environment, encourage independence and responsibility, and provide peace of mind for educators and caregivers.

Program Fees

Our ENGAGE Program includes supervised activities, homework assistance, snack time, and age-appropriate recreational and educational activities. The program fee for parents is as follows:

The entire school year is 3600 AED

Semester 1 is 3 months and will cost parents 1200 AED

Semester 2 is 6 months and will cost parents 2400 AED

Summary

Establishing the ENGAGE Program is not only beneficial but essential for the holistic development of young children. Through this program, we provide a nurturing environment where children can express themselves, build social skills, and develop emotional intelligence. Moreover, these sessions offer opportunities for personalized learning and academic support, reinforcing concepts taught during regular school hours. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, we not only support the children's educational journey but also cultivate a safe and supportive space for their growth.

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