The Reception unit / Grade R at Al Noor offers small classes, allowing necessary time for individual attention and monitoring by the educator, with just 15 learners per class. We currently have 2 grade R classes, the Red and the Blue group. The children in this grade will either turn 5 between January and June or 6 between July and December.
The daily programme in the grade R class offers exploration through play, which is critical in the early development of young learners. Their daily programme offers varied tasks regarding structured activities that are teacher directed to prepare them for formal schooling, focusing on the best interest of each child. The Grade R learners follow an integrated programme that encapsulates the department of basic education curriculum with the Letterland programme making this a dynamic child centered programme offering numerous learning strategies for them. This programme is geared towards assisting each individual learner towards working independently and becoming self reliant and confident.
The curriculum is designed to stimulate creativity, as well as develop and challenge their emergent pre-reading, pre-writing and perceptual skills in a fun way. They will learn to complete tasks, concentrate for a reasonable period of time, work independently, etc. Each learner is offered an opportunity to develop these skills through various mediums of play and activities and teacher directed tasks that are designed for the very purpose of formal school readiness. All learners are given sufficient time to be themselves and learn through play.
The grade R learners also have a once a week lesson on pre-writing programme, which is conducted by an occupational therapist. She works on refining their gross and fine muscle development through specific tasks that assist them in the pre-reading and writing skills required. It is a programmed designed to enhance the development of these muscles through age appropriate activities. In addition to the pre-writing programme, the grade R learner also has a once a week reading lesson , by a reading teacher, who specializes in this field. She will assist them in the initial stages of early reading and phonic sounds. This is an extension to the grade R programme. Both of these lessons are offered exclusively to the grade r learners and are compulsory.
The grade R learner has a spectrum of activities spaced out during the entire week, enabling them to pursue each activity or tasks within their capabilities and with ease. Their daily routine is designed to offer them the structure necessary to follow formal schooling routines with ease. Their timetable is designed to offer sufficient free play as well. The grade R learner has the following lessons once a week: speech & drama lesson, computer lesson, Arabic lesson, pre-writing, reading and a Wacko Ball lesson. Madressah is done daily by the form teacher. Monkeynastix is an optional extra mural that is offered once a week as well.
The times for arrival & dismissal for the grade R are :
Monday to Thursday : 7.45 a.m. to 12.00p.m & Friday : 7.45 a.m. – 11.00a.m.
