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Educating Students For
Success In A Changing World

Elementary
Section

Pre Nursery - Grade II

21st Century
Learning Objectives

For the first decade of its existence, Head Start was strictly a pre-school. The innovative and age appropriate curriculum that was introduced by Head Start had never been seen before in Pakistan.

Even though we are now an O Level school, we have stayed true to our roots, and have consistently innovated and expanded our pre-school curriculum to meet 21st century learning objectives. For these reasons, the elementary curriculum offered at Head Start is still in a league of its own.

Head Start School views every child as a naturally curious and active learner.

Head Start is a certified Cambridge International School at the Primary Level

We believe that at the Elementary level children have a natural inclination to explore, discover and learn through play.

This is why we strive to spark their imagination and build on their creativity in a holistic way through a thematic curriculum, role-play, hands-on activities and use of materials which they can see, feel and touch. Moreover, a collaborative partnership with parents ensures that the children achieve their highest potential.

Together we are able to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for the children that caters to every learner in an individualized manner.

Head Start campuses are equipped with Learning Centers which are areas of inquiry, exploration and discovery.

These Learning Centers include science stations, kitchen stations, and dress up corners. Structured and interactive play experiences in these areas using 3D materials supports creativity and problem-solving and sparks curiosity in children.

Yoga and Taekwondo are also offered as a part of our elementary school curriculum. Yoga is a non-competitive physical activity which from an early age can help students deal with academic and social pressures. The yoga class every week provides students with relaxation and inner strength. Taekwondo offers a vigorous workout for students while improving their coordination and balance.

Thematic Approach

Head Start follows a thematic approach to its elementary curriculum.

A theme-based curriculum means that each skill area of the curriculum is connected to a topic which is introduced through different activities in the classroom.

These include day-long or week-long themes where classroom activities are tied into the theme during the teaching of the respective topic.

All of these activities practice age-appropriate skills in a way which children see as play. Thus, our program provides opportunities for each child to grow and learn through a variety of structured activities and free play experiences.

Teaching through role-play, structured play and hands-on activities are integral parts of our curricular approach. Research also indicates that learning is an integrated process and that thematic education benefits children by making connections across the curriculum. This way, rather than teaching each skills or topics in isolation, students learn different aspects of a larger topic through different activities and themes.

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The Apple Unit

Our Pre-School students have great fun learning about apples with this thematic unit. Lessons include literacy and numeracy concepts, art, science and music lessons based around the theme of apples, executed through hands-on activities and games.

Color Week

The ability to identify and differentiate colours is considered an important milestone in a child’s cognitive development. To develop this skill, Colour Week is planned to focus and highlight different colours through craft activities during the week.

Puppet Show

One very effective way of developing children’s language skills is storytelling through puppetry. At Head Start puppet shows are conducted at the Elementary levels as a stirring learning tool.

Bears Bears Everywhere

Autumn is a season that is full of changes in nature when leaves start to change color and fall and some animals hibernate for the winter. To develop awareness about the changing seasons our young learners are taken on nature walks where they collect and investigate leaves and then engage in art activities with dry leaves. A bear’s den is also built and filled with stuffed teddy bears which the children like to visit excitedly. They are also shown interesting documentaries related to the topic which are followed by discussions.

Earth Day

Every year children are engaged in fun and educational activities on Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues. They reflect on the planet and the environment and learn what can be done to help keep the Earth healthy and clean. They are particularly introduced to the three ‘Rs’: Recycle, Reuse and Reduce where they make arts and crafts from recycled materials.

Senses Week

When I hear, I forget. When I see, I remember. When I do, I understand. The old Chinese proverb shows the importance of the senses in the learning process. Our five senses allow us to enjoy the world around us. Children may recognize their senses, but they don’t often focus on the importance of them individually. To develop awareness about senses children are engaged in week-long activities with arts and crafts which help them learn about each of the five senses. They experiment with sound by making instruments, feel and guess what’s inside a bag by using touch, eat and drink to investigate which different flavors they can taste, and much more. They are also assisted in developing a habit to thank the Al-Mighty for giving us the five senses that help us see, hear, smell, touch and feel.

Global Hand Washing Week

Global Hand Washing Day is an opportunity to introduce children to this habit and find creative ways to encourage them to wash their hands with soap at different times every day.

Brain Awareness Week

Children enjoy a week full of fun-based learning about the brain through exciting and challenging activities that foster critical thinking and problem solving. They are taught that our brains can stretch and grow as we learn new things and that making mistakes helps our brains to grow.

Spring

The Spring season is celebrated by our Pre-School students every year. They learn through activities and craft work that Spring brings colours and beauty to the world and it is the season for flowers to bloom, birds to chirp and animals to become active.

Storytelling Sessions

Storytelling is an important tool for developing listening, speaking and vocabulary skills in children. It also helps in teaching important concepts in a fun and easy way. Since grandparents are the best storytellers, we invite them to come to school and tell stories to all the children.

Road Safety Week

We educate the children about road safety from an early age. The week-long activities revolve around staying safe and behaving responsibly by following traffic rules and signs.

Dental Week

Week-long activities focus on oral hygiene and create awareness among students about maintaining dental care.

Professions Unit

We educate our young learners about the importance of different professions and how each one is respectful and serves the community. The theme culminates in a Professions Day on which students dress up in costumes of their favourite professions.