AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN

Early Childhood

A GOLDEN WINDOW OF DISCOVERY

Who has not marveled at the response of a young child when they first taste something salty, dip their feet in icy water, see live feeds about nocturnal creatures, realize the power of wind or rain, investigate a kaleidoscope, write their name for the first time, or bond with another child who shares the enthusiasm for things they do? Ms. Sandra Al-Ajmi, Early Childhood Lead Educator at American School of Bahrain (ASB), shares more about how parents and educators can support healthy early childhood development: Early Childhood is such an important time of cognitive, language, social/emotional and physical development for children between birth and the age of 8. This is a window of opportunity in which we can introduce and inspire full potential development in our children. It is the optimal time to experience the wonders of new things, build new experiences, develop inquisitive minds, while instilling a positive and comprehensive thirst for knowledge.

One of the best ways best ways to do this is by inquiry-based learning through play, providing learning opportunities at every turn. By immersing children into hands-on activities and using real world connections, we can provide a deeper understanding of how things work. How letters work together to form words, how numbers represent quantity and writing is a written way to express ourselves. Practicing guidance (as opposed to discipline) and positive reinforcement builds confidence and independence in little learners. Gently guiding them to draw their own conclusions and fostering critical thinking skills, promoting healthy self-reliant children. Most importantly, it’s important to keep that window of opportunity open to discover new and exciting things daily. As a student once told me, “When the sun comes up, it is warm in the sunshine but when the sun goes down, we gaze at the stars.” What can be better!

The Early Childhood section at American School of Bahrain offers the award-winning Creative Curriculum® by Teaching Strategies®. Merging this with the American Common Core Objectives for Early Childhood Education, the team at ASB works to build a foundation of learning that is long-term and meaningful.

The research-based foundational approaches of The Creative Curriculum enable teachers to see children’s development and learning along a progression across the whole of the early childhood years. ASB thus empowers educators to teach and care for its littlest learners during the most critical and formative years of development.

The award-winning Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies ASB’S EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Parents are welcome to visit ASB’s Early Childhood Center (3- to 7-year-old) to learn more about their facilities and unique approach to teaching and learning. Request a COVID-19 safe tour by contacting the ASB Team on info@asb.bh or call +973 17211800.

You can also book a tour by visiting the school’s website on www.asb.bh

American School of Bahrain opened its doors in September 13, 2020, in a brand new, purpose-built campus located in North Riffa, near the Bahrain National Stadium. Being constructed on a spacious 17-acre plot easily accessed from the main highways, with plenty of parking for parents and visitors, the ASB campus is designed for convenience and safe accessibility for our community.