American School of Ulaanbaatar

Pre-Kindergarten: 4 year olds
curriculum overview

“Explorer”
curriculum

Pre-Kindergarten is a critical time for
children as they begin the adventure of a life time of learning. Activities are
tailored to meet your child’s individual needs and our teachers provide
opportunities to explore, question, communicate and create in a fun and
supportive environment.

Areas
of development

Language and literacy

• Large motor
• Fine motor
• Mathematics
• Science

The focus this year for your child is
kindergarten readiness. All aspects of your child’s development continue to
shape daily activities, from structured learning in academics and the arts to
activities that help build confidence, self-esteem, social and physical skills.
Our curriculum continues to focus on developing exceptional math and language
skills. Children gain a greater understanding of sequencing and logical
problem-solving, providing a strong foundation for advanced math skills. Our
excellent language and literacy program promotes a strong understanding of
phonics, sentence structure and a heightened vocabulary. Continued development
of computer skills enhances the educational and technological experience your
child gains.

We
continue to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity about the world through
varying elements of science and social studies through theme-related elements.
An appreciation of the arts and music enhances the whole experience at the
American School of Ulaanbaatar and instills a love for learning as your child
becomes ready to enter kindergarten. With ample time given to indoor and outdoor
playtime, circle time and free play time your child will have also developed
excellent skills in social interaction and physical skills and be ready to
enter elementary school with poise and confidence.

Our Pre-Kindergarten (pre-k) program at ASU prepares your
child for reading, math, science and much more. Your child needs more than just
child care in this critical age.

Kindergarten
(children from approximately 5 to 6 years of age)

The program runs for a full day, 8.30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Unlike other schools, our Kindergarten is staffed by certified teachers who are qualified to teach up to Grade 3 so that the children are really being prepared for grade one. With a maximum class size of 20, the program consists of a daily program in General Studies, as well as intensive E.S.L.

Our goals are to increase socialization, develop motor skills and early skill and knowledge acquisition through thematic activities in language, science, and numeracy. Music, art and stories are part of a creative developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Although socialization outcomes and learning through play are still important, our children take on more responsibility and are expected to meet curricular outcomes in every subject.

Kindergarten is often a child’s first introduction to “formal education.” Therefore, they are the foundation upon which attitudes towards all subsequent education are built.

We believe that within the mind of every child lie the abilities of an Einstein, a Van Gogh, or a Shakespeare. Finding the keys to unleashing those abilities is one of our fundamental goals. It is thus imperative to provide a program which fosters a sense of enthusiasm towards learning, as well as one which facilitates the development of each individual to his/her fullest potential.

Because each child is unique, we recognize that they learn at their own pace and in their own way. Every child’s style of learning is identified through close observation, attention to the child’s needs, and most importantly, individual time with the teacher.

With supportive guidance, the children are encouraged to experiment, explore, create and problem solve as they play. All activities are designed to intrigue and excite the early learners and allow them to question, investigate and reach conclusions.

The early learning curriculum involves mathematics, reading, written and oral expression, and environmental studies. It also includes activities that develop social, physical, and creative skills.

The classroom environment is positive and stimulating, and whether the children are learning to count, read or paint a “masterpiece,” learning is fun! The children soon develop a sense of confidence in their abilities and are ready to take on new challenges. They learn to make decisions and to accept responsibilities.

If, during these most formative years, children build an eagerness to learn and grow in all developmental areas, then the groundwork is set. The children are successfully prepared to take the next step in their education.