logo
Arabic-English dual language program grows at American School of Bahrain

Arabic-English dual language program grows at American School of Bahrain

Zawya25-02-2025

Bahrain - The American School of Bahrain (ASB) has announced the expansion of Muzdawaj, its dual-language early childhood program to include KG1 and KG2 for the coming academic year 2025-26. Following the success of its introduction to Pre-KG students last year, the program will continue to grow by adding a grade each subsequent year, with plans to extend into Grades 1 and 2 in the future.
Muzdawaj, meaning 'dual' in Arabic, immerses students in Arabic and English through a co-teaching model that fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. The program equips students to communicate fluently in both languages through fun and interactive activities, laying the foundation for strong bilingual proficiency.
Students in the Muzdawaj program also engage in culturally enriching experiences, including traditional music, storytelling, and hands-on activities, which enhance their understanding and respect for the Bahraini culture. The program's teaching team combines cultural immersion with foundational language skills, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment.
"The cognitive benefits of the dual language program are far-reaching and provide children with intellectual advantages that extend well beyond language proficiency," said Ms. Casey Bucheler, the school's Early Childhood Principal. "It enhances cognitive flexibility, sharpens problem-solving abilities, strengthens memory, and bolsters executive function, laying a robust foundation for lifelong intellectual growth."
Dr. Nour Abuateyh, Head of Arabic Language and Culture at ASB, added, "Our goal with the Muzdawaj program is to deliver a 360-degree educational journey. We immerse students in both Arabic and English, ensuring they gain linguistic skills and a profound appreciation for cultural nuances, traditions, and the rich heritage of Bahrain. This approach enables our students to thrive in a globalized world while staying deeply connected to our Bahraini cultural roots."
ASB's Early Childhood Education curriculum follows the Ontario Kindergarten Program up to KG1, and AERO Common Core Standards for Math and English, as well as the NGSS standards for Science for KG2. The same AERO and NGSS standards are followed in Elementary, ensuring a seamless academic transition and excellence.
With the expansion of the Muzdawaj program, ASB reaffirms its commitment to bilingual education, cultural enrichment, and preparing students to succeed in a multilingual and multicultural world.
For more information about the American School of Bahrain and its Muzdawaj program, please visit www.asb.bh.
About the American School of Bahrain:
American School of Bahrain offers a holistic and challenging American and international educational program founded on the pillars of academic excellence, happiness, innovation, international mindedness, balance, community leadership, and cultural respect. With experienced leadership, dedicated and caring educators, and state-of-the-art facilities, ASB inspires students to pursue their passions and become lifelong learners. As an Esol Education school, ASB is part of a family of exceptional international schools around the world in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Cairo, Nicosia, and Lebanon.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Arabic lessons connect youngsters to UAE heritage, say residents
Arabic lessons connect youngsters to UAE heritage, say residents

Al Etihad

time2 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Arabic lessons connect youngsters to UAE heritage, say residents

11 June 2025 00:15 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI) Abu Dhabi residents were all praise for the latest education mandate requiring 240 minutes of Arabic lessons each week for more than just learning the language, they said, it's about embracing the UAE culture and connecting children to the country's September, all young learners enrolled in pre-KG to KG2 classes in the emirate shall receive four hours of structured, age-appropriate Arabic instruction per week, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) announced on Monday. This requirement will be increased to 300 minutes weekly starting from the 2026/27 academic teacher Samiya Ali described the initiative as a meaningful step toward nurturing a culturally grounded generation."It's about connecting the next generation to their linguistic heritage, which goes beyond literacy," said Ali, who teaches KG1 students at Al Forsan Charter Kindergarten School."Arabic is a cultural bridge that connects young learners to their history, identity, and community — it's more than just a subject."The new ADEK School KG Arabic Curriculum Policy is grounded in robust research. A survey conducted by the education department revealed that although Arabic is widely spoken at home, many children still lack confidence in using the address this, the policy places a strong emphasis on parental involvement. Families will be equipped with resources to help their children practise new vocabulary at home and engage in reading Alhadhrami, a guardian, welcomed the role she would gladly play in supporting children who are learning the language."It is crucial that children learn Arabic at a young age. It enhances cultural identity, creates a solid linguistic basis, and facilitates communication with the Arab world," Alhadhrami Muslim families, it becomes even more significant since Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran, she said.'Children who learn the language feel prouder — like they belong — because they have better awareness of who they are and where they're from,' Alhadhrami ADEK policy will be implemented in a dual-track system: one designed to deepen mother tongue skills for native Arabic speakers, and another tailored for non-native speakers and newcomers. Learning will be engaging, built around play, storytelling, songs, and exploration — promising to make Arabic a language students look forward to using every day, the department said. Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI

Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students
Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students

Dubai Eye

time3 days ago

  • Dubai Eye

Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students

A new Arabic language policy has been unveiled for all private and charter kindergartens across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), aims to strengthen language, identity and cultural connection from the very start of a child's education, Starting in Fall 2025, children from Pre-KG through KG2 will receive structured Arabic lessons every week – 240 minutes to start, increasing to 300 minutes by the following academic year. ADEK says the goal is to build a strong foundation in Arabic that helps every child – whether a native speaker or a complete beginner – connect with their roots, identity and community. The new policy includes two learning tracks: one for native Arabic speakers to deepen their skills, and another for non-native speakers to help them learn in a fun, accessible way. Lessons will focus on play, songs, storytelling and exploration — all led by specially trained teachers using modern materials. A recent ADEK survey found that while Arabic is commonly spoken at home, many young children still struggle to use it confidently. This initiative aims to close that gap by making Arabic an engaging part of both the classroom and family life. The new policy also bridges early nursery language learning with the formal Arabic instruction required later in school, ensuring smoother and more consistent development during the critical early years. Parents are also a big part of the journey. Schools will be sharing tools and updates so families can join in the fun, whether practicing new words at home, reading stories together, or taking part in Arabic-themed school events.

Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students
Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students

TAG 91.1

time3 days ago

  • TAG 91.1

Abu Dhabi champions early Arabic learning for kindergarten students

A new Arabic language policy has been unveiled for all private and charter kindergartens across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), aims to strengthen language, identity and cultural connection from the very start of a child's education, Starting in Fall 2025, children from Pre-KG through KG2 will receive structured Arabic lessons every week – 240 minutes to start, increasing to 300 minutes by the following academic year. ADEK says the goal is to build a strong foundation in Arabic that helps every child – whether a native speaker or a complete beginner – connect with their roots, identity and community. The new policy includes two learning tracks: one for native Arabic speakers to deepen their skills, and another for non-native speakers to help them learn in a fun, accessible way. Lessons will focus on play, songs, storytelling and exploration — all led by specially trained teachers using modern materials. A recent ADEK survey found that while Arabic is commonly spoken at home, many young children still struggle to use it confidently. This initiative aims to close that gap by making Arabic an engaging part of both the classroom and family life. The new policy also bridges early nursery language learning with the formal Arabic instruction required later in school, ensuring smoother and more consistent development during the critical early years. Parents are also a big part of the journey. Schools will be sharing tools and updates so families can join in the fun, whether practicing new words at home, reading stories together, or taking part in Arabic-themed school events.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store