Elementary Age Group (7-12 years)

Picasa Web Slideshow Features of Activity Based Learning Ladder Approach: Breaking away from the traditional notion that "one size fits all", we have conceptually divided subjects into levels of increasing complexity. Each child starts is at a different position on the ladder and moves from topic to topic basis his understanding at his own pace ensuring that each topic is fully grasped. Activity based learning: Concrete material is used to learn subjects. Thus, children use Math Lab material to work out problems, put together puzzles, make models of geographic landforms, assemble a model of the human body. Children are taken on excursions to supplement class room learning. Strong foundation in Maths and English: The focus is to clarify basic concepts usually lost during the mass teaching in regular schools. Thus a lot of time is spent in working with language and concrete Math lab material to ensure a strong foundation. Nurturing of the Creative instinct: Al Qamar children have to do research, write reports, answer questions independently. Emphasis on social interaction: Children learn language, interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and gain confidence in themselves as promising young Muslims by being encouraged to talk, work with each other, express their opinions, share daily news stories. Arts and Craft, Gardening, Play time: Children spend lots of time drawing, making halal sculptures, craft work, wood painting, listening to Nasheeds, playing etc. No tests: We strongly feel that tests focus the child on only rote learning at the cost of actual comprehension. So there are no exams or tests at Al Qamar. However, by ensuring children work independently, there is a constant assessment of a child's ability and understanding of any topic.

Activity Based Learning From examining pulleys at the Birla Planetarium Science Park to collecting feathers during a Nature walk, to writing about Muslim festivals for The Hindu's Young World, our children have done it all! All because of the unique system of learning which encourages questioning, thinking and creativity.   No two children are the same, especially when it comes to learning. At Al Qamar, the differences in learning styles, differential intelligences, different skills, different understandings, different strengths are respected.   In the Elementary group, children in Grades 2-7 work together in mixed age groups to learn English, Math, Science,/Social Science, Islamic Studies, Arabic, Seerah and Hifz of the Holy Quran.   Sample activities Free access to computers for research project work. Show & Tell - Children have to bring some artifact from home and talk about it thus improving their public speaking skills. Creative Writing - Children can choose different writing prompts and write a story or essay. Karate - All Elementary children learn Karate - with separate teachers for boys and girls. Library integrated in the classroom and children can freely borrow books daily. Board Affiliation Al Qamar Academy plans to follow the IGCSE syllabus for grades 10th and 12th respectively.