This week science sessions for grades 5 and 6 were different.Students experienced a new learning method: Jigsaw.

Jigsaw is a cooperative learning technique that promotes better learning,improve student motivation,increase enjoyment of the learning experience,and increase positive educational outcomes.Just as in a jigsaw puzzle,each piece-each student's part-is essential for the completion and full understanding of the final product.

Here is how I worked with students in grades 5 and 6:students were divided into small groups of five members each.Their task is to learn about Body Systems.In one jigsaw group,Maha was responsible for Muscular system.Another member of the group,Reem,was assigned to cover the nervous sytem; Khadija was assigned to cover the digestive system, and so on.

Eventually each student came back to her or his jigsaw group and tried to present a well-organized report to the group.Students used powerpoint while presenting their information.

كما لحبات العنب في تشرين مذاق حلاوة السكركان لزيارة بعض الأمهات نكهة خاصة في أفواه نحلاتنا في خلية عثمان ذي النورين حيث اغترفنا من نهل أريجهن المعلومات وصنعنا في قفيرنا أطيب عسل لأنه ممزوج بالعلم والمعرفةعن دورالأم في بناء مجتمعها الصغير (البيت) وتأسيس العائلة والتي سنجني واياها الذ عسل حضر في عثمان وسيوزع على كل بيت لديه ايمان بأننا سنرفع راية العلم في كل مكان.

We have received our "Getting To Know You" letters from our friends in Nobleboro Maine, USA. We are going to learn how to write "a friendly letter" this week and we do hope to write lots of emails back and forth to each other. We're so interested in exchanging emails!

We would like to thank Mrs Schuster and Mrs Taylor for this fruitful collaboration...

اليوم كانت فرحتي تغمرني حتى أخمص قدمي ..لقد لبّت امي دعوة معلمة اللغة العربية للمشاركة في يوم الكشك المدرسي الذي يتضمن (ترويقة) مناقيش بالكشك .ليس هذا فحسب ..بل دخلت أمي المطبخ و شاركت مع بعض أمهات الرفاق في طبخ الكشك البلدي ..فقشرت الثوم و البصل ..في حين كانت أم صديقي محمد تحرّك المزيج على نار هادئة ..و الرائحة الشهية تتطاير في أرجاء المدرسة . بعد دقائق تحلق رفاقي حول أمهاتم على مائدة الفطور ...و بدأنا بتناول أشهى المناقيش و ألذّ الكشك ..رحبت أمي و الأمهات بمشاركتهن في الأنشطة التعليمية وكانت صبحية و لا اجمل!!

Kindergarten was first designed as a "garden for children." Its founders envisioned a place where children could receive the nurture and care that seedlings require to grow into strong, healthy plants and blooming flowers. The inspiration remains to educate the whole child, focusing on physical, social/emotional and intellectual growth and development. Children need quality kindergarten programs in order to achieve their full potential.

THE CHILD

Kindergarten children are trying many things for the first time. Kindergarten children are active, curious learners who need space, a variety of materials and large blocks of time to try out their ideas, gain experience and expand their learning. A high quality kindergarten program provides a strong foundation upon which children can build the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning.

THE CURRICULUM

The curriculum in a high quality program

Play is the most important way by which kindergartners learn. Through play, children learn concepts, practice roles and test ideas. Play with materials involves investigation, problem solving, critical thinking, sharing and creativity. Play is the essential ingredient for children's learning.

Look For TEACHERS who . . .

. . . are professionally prepared, caring individuals who believe in each child's potential to learn, achieve and succeed.

. . . use knowledge about child development in order to plan for children's learning.

. . . cultivate children's positive self-image, prepare a stimulating learning environment and adapt instructional approaches to meet the children's wide range of abilities, interests and needs.

PARENTS MUST . . .

. . . be involved if they are to understand the purpose of kindergarten and reinforce these learnings at home.

. . . look for child-sensitive kindergarten programs by informing administrators of their eagerness to support those programs.

. . . work together with teachers and administrators as advocates for child-sensitive kindergarten programs.

Parents show support for their child's Learning by . . .