Early Years Center - Ages 3 to 6
A child's initial encounter with school holds great significance as it sets the groundwork for a lifelong journey of learning. In the Early Years at KIS International School Reignwood Park, made up of year groups - Early Year 1, 2 and 3, we create a joyful and stimulating environment where children can develop a positive approach to learning.
KIS Reignwood Park is a Candidate School* for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Our school is pursuing authorization as an
IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that KIS Reignwood Park believes is important for our students.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme which places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning where young children explore their interests, ask questions and are active in the learning process through hands-on activities and guided exploration to better understand the world around them. These tailored learning experiences foster the development of fine and gross motor skills and social interactions among the children, guided by our team of exceptionally skilled teachers who specialize in Early Childhood education.
Through inquiry-based learning young children explore their interests, ask questions and are active in the learning process through hands-on activities and guided exploration to better understand the world around them. These tailored learning experiences foster the development of fine and gross motor skills and social interactions among the children, guided by our team of exceptionally skilled teachers who specialize in Early Childhood education.
Dedicated Early Years Facilities
Situated within our expansive 60-acre school campus, our specialized Early Years Center offers a safe learning environment, providing a wide range of purpose-built facilities to immerse our children in enriching learning opportunities both within the classroom and in the outdoor environment.
In our Early Years Center, our bright and spacious classrooms are enhanced by additional facilities, including an art atelier, an indoor soft play area, a cooking studio, and an Early Years Café for lunchtime gatherings. Furthermore, our extensive Early Years Learning Library offers valuable resources and collaborative spaces, nurturing critical thinking, curiosity, and both supporting and challenging the learning journey for both children and teachers.
Learning environments extend beyond the classroom, encompassing extensive Early Years playgrounds that encourage active play, a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, and our Kitchen Learning Garden—a flourishing edible farmyard. Here, children are educated and actively engaged in the fascinating journey of cultivating and harvesting their own food.
"Our Early Years curriculum lays the foundation for all future learning and how children see themselves as learners. Our experienced international teachers guide our children in their learning, achieved through our inquiry-based curriculum and a world-class learning environment meticulously crafted to ignite inspiration, encourage exploration, facilitate collaboration, and enhance communication skills. ”
Anita McCallum, Early Years Principal
Learning Through Play
In the Early Years we learn through child’s “work” - play, which is the most authentic way that children learn to build skills and knowledge. Children are naturally curious beings, and their early years are marked by a strong desire to explore, experiment and make sense of the world around them. At this stage of development, they may not have the verbal skills to express their curiosity and ask questions in the same way adults do. Instead, they often demonstrate their curiosity through their actions and behaviors. We direct their children through curated learning experiences that encourage exploration and experimentation, spark curiosity and imagination, and build children's abilities to solve problems. These are the skills and mindset needed to tackle complex challenges and come up with innovative solutions in the future, ensuring success academically and life beyond education no matter what beholds for a child’s future passion.
The daily timetable in Early Years classes is flexible in order to accommodate each child's interests and to ensure they have consolidated blocks of time for their inquiries, ensuring active engagement through exploration, questioning, and investigation. A typical day in the Early Years strikes a balance between group activities and hands-on learning inquiries that encompass math concepts, language development, and scientific exploration. In addition to our core curriculum, we offer specialized instruction that enriches the learning experience. This includes daily immersion in World Languages (Thai or Mandarin) and weekly specialist classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, and Swimming.
Fostering Communication Skills
Effective communication skills in Early Years not only lay the foundation for academic success but also support social and emotional development. Each child’s language and learning development is unique and valued. Daily speaking and listening activities are connected to children’s interests and abilities, with teachers observing to understand what support and opportunities each child needs to ensure the development of strong communication skills. We continually encourage children to communicate openly and key to growth in this area, provide a language rich environment.
Building Independence & Responsibility
In our Early Years program, children actively engage in the learning process, fostering their independence from the very beginning. They take on responsibilities like carrying their own school bags, managing their water bottles, and independently dressing themselves, including putting on their socks and shoes. These activities empower them to develop greater independence, as they eagerly take on tasks they are capable of handling.
Developing Focus & Concentration
Building focus and concentration in Early Years is crucial for every child's cognitive development and future academic success. The learning experiences we create help to develop focus and concentration in an era marked by increased screen time. Children today often face challenges in maintaining their ability to concentrate compared to their counterparts from 15 years ago. We are tech light in our Early Years, using iPads to share children's knowledge and understanding and explore early coding and problem solving skills, therefore using technology to show what we know not to consume.
We build children's fine motor skills and their ability to sustain an activity through play incorporating hands-on and multi-sensory learning. Using touch, sight, sound, and movement we enhance every child's engagement and concentration. Building these skills takes time and consistent effort but is essential for a child's future learning success.
Positive Social & Emotional Growth
Our dedicated team of educators and teaching assistants plays a vital role in guiding children to cultivate positive relationships with both adults and their peers. We also support them in understanding and managing their own emotions and behavior, which is a fundamental aspect of their social and emotional growth. Our goal is to ensure that these early experiences lay a strong foundation for children's positive perspectives on relationships, empathy, effective communication, and emotional well-being.
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*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org