Kindergarten

In our Kindergarten program, we prioritize an inquiry-based approach, placing a strong emphasis on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement in learning. The program is built upon an inquiry-play-based continuum that seamlessly integrates these principles to create a dynamic and meaningful educational experience for our young learners.

At the heart of our Kindergarten program is the promotion of inquiry-based learning. We encourage kindergartners to explore their interests, ask questions, and actively participate in their own learning process. Through inquiry, they develop problem-solving skills, learn to think critically, and deepen their understanding of various concepts. We create an environment that sparks their natural curiosity and supports their investigations and discoveries.

While play-based practice remains important in our Kindergarten program, our focus is on nurturing inquiry as a driving force behind learning. Play provides a context for inquiry, allowing kindergartners to apply their knowledge, skills, and understanding in meaningful and imaginative ways. We provide carefully designed play experiences and materials that stimulate their curiosity and promote deeper exploration.

Within our inquiry-based continuum, our teachers play a crucial role in supporting and guiding kindergartners' learning journeys. They observe, listen, and engage in purposeful interactions to extend their thinking, encourage further questioning, and introduce new ideas. Teachers facilitate discussions, provide resources, and offer guidance to help kindergartners explore their inquiries more deeply.

Through this approach, we empower our young learners to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners.

Literacy

Our Kindergarten program focuses on English literacy development, emphasizing phonemic awareness and phonics skills. We provide a balanced literacy approach, combining guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading activities to enhance comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. Writing instruction encourages creativity and self-expression.

We prepare children for a smooth transition to Grade 1 by aligning our curriculum with the necessary skills and expectations. Our experienced educators closely monitor each child's progress, providing individualized support and fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture.

While English is the primary language of instruction, we also value and celebrate children's mother tongues. We introduce Mandarin vocabulary, phrases, and conversations in an age-appropriate manner to expand linguistic abilities and promote cultural awareness.

Our educators cater to each child's unique learning needs, creating a supportive environment where they can explore and practice both Mandarin and English at their own pace. By offering a comprehensive Mandarin program alongside English literacy development, we provide a well-rounded education that prepares children for a globally interconnected world.

Overall, our Kindergarten program nurtures confident readers and writers, instills a love for reading, and equips children with essential language skills for future academic success.

Language and Literacy Skills in Kindergarten

Communication – Listening and Speaking:

Communicate in English with peers and teachers.
Respond to greetings and questions.
Develop visual attention and memory.
Effectively communicate within a group setting (listening, taking turns).
Follow 3-4 step directions and class routines.
Demonstrate understanding of basic conversational rules.
Show fluency in speaking, using complex sentences and intonation.
Listen, respond, and engage in stories, asking questions.
Recognize and discuss the order of the alphabet.

Word Study - Phonemic Awareness & Phonics:

Understand that books consist of letters, words, and sentences.
Identify all 26 letter sounds.
Recognize lowercase and uppercase letters.
Participate in phonic games to reinforce consonant sounds.
Build words using letter sounds.
Identify letters phonetically and make sound/symbol associations.
Identify consonant and vowel sounds.

Reading:

Ask and answer simple questions about key details in a text.
Retell familiar stories, including key details.
Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
Name the author and illustrator of a story.
Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters.
Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

Writing:

Use various tools and media for writing.
Form recognizable letter and number formations.
Use correct letter formations and directionality.
Interpret personal writing.

Numeracy

In our kindergarten program, we offer a specialized Singapore Math enriched curriculum to provide an exceptional mathematical learning experience for our students. The Singapore Math enriched program builds upon the principles and pedagogy of the highly acclaimed Singapore Math approach, known for its effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Our Singapore Math enriched program goes beyond the standard curriculum, incorporating additional depth and rigor to challenge and engage our kindergartners. Here are some key features of our Singapore Math enriched program:

Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach: We utilize the CPA approach, allowing children to progress from hands-on manipulatives to visual representations and abstract thinking. This approach helps build a solid foundation of understanding by providing concrete experiences and visual models before moving to abstract mathematical concepts.
Problem-Solving Emphasis: Our program places a strong emphasis on problem-solving skills. Students are exposed to a wide range of challenging and thought-provoking problems that require them to apply critical thinking, logical reasoning, and mathematical strategies. They learn various problem-solving heuristics and are encouraged to think flexibly and creatively when approaching mathematical challenges.
Mathematical Reasoning and Communication: We foster students' ability to reason mathematically and effectively communicate their mathematical thinking. Through discussions, collaborative activities, and written explanations, students develop the skills to articulate their thought processes, justify their solutions, and engage in mathematical discourse.
Depth and Enrichment: Our Singapore Math enriched program delves deeper into mathematical concepts, providing opportunities for students to explore advanced topics and make connections across different areas of mathematics. We introduce enrichment activities and extension projects that challenge students to apply their knowledge in new and complex ways.
Integration of Technology: We leverage technology as a tool to enhance mathematical learning. Students engage with interactive digital resources, virtual manipulatives, and educational apps that provide interactive and immersive experiences, further enriching their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Ongoing Assessment and Differentiated Instruction: Our educators continuously assess students' progress and tailor instruction to meet their individual needs. Through ongoing formative assessments, we identify areas of strength and areas that require further support, allowing us to provide differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to ensure each student's mathematical growth.

Other Skills

We prioritize the holistic development of our EY – K students. Our curriculum focuses on fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional strategies, character building, and music and literacy development.

Through engaging activities, children refine their motor skills and physical abilities, while also learning to interact with peers, share, and communicate their feelings effectively. They develop character traits aligned with our learner profiles, becoming caring, principled, open-minded, and reflective individuals.

Music and rhythm lessons provide a creative outlet for self-expression, and library lessons cultivate a love for reading and literacy. Our educators provide a nurturing environment, tailored support, and growth opportunities, allowing children to reach their full potential.

This is a journey of growth, exploration, and learning, as we lay the foundation for a bright future filled with endless possibilities.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills:

Demonstrates refined fine motor skills, such as writing letters and numbers with increasing control and precision.
Shows improved coordination and dexterity in activities such as cutting along more complex lines and shapes.
Participates in physical activities that enhance gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, skipping, and throwing.
Demonstrates increased balance and coordination in more challenging physical tasks or games.

Social and Emotional Strategies:

Engages in cooperative play and group activities, demonstrating the ability to take on different roles and work collaboratively with peers.
Demonstrates empathy by showing understanding and consideration for others' feelings and perspectives.
Uses effective strategies for self-regulation and emotion management, such as deep breathing or seeking support from a trusted adult.
Shows increased independence and responsibility in completing tasks and following classroom routines.
Exhibits growing self-confidence and self-advocacy skills, expressing needs and opinions appropriately.

Character Building and PYP Learner Profiles:

Demonstrates a deeper understanding of the PYP learner profiles, embodying traits such as being principled, caring, and reflective in their actions and interactions.
Engages in discussions and critical thinking activities that promote inquiry, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
Demonstrates respect for diversity and inclusivity, appreciating and valuing different perspectives and cultures.
Shows increased self-awareness and reflection on personal strengths, areas for growth, and goal-setting.
Exhibits responsible behavior towards the environment, showing awareness of sustainability practices and taking steps to make a positive impact.

Music, Rhythm, and Library Lessons:

Participates actively in music and rhythm activities, demonstrating a sense of beat, rhythm patterns, and pitch discrimination.
Shows an increased appreciation for different musical genres and styles, and may begin to learn to play a musical instrument.
Engages in reading activities with growing fluency, decoding simple words and demonstrating comprehension through retelling or answering questions.
Demonstrates an understanding of story elements, such as characters, settings, and main ideas.
Shows increased literacy skills, such as writing sentences or short stories with basic punctuation and capitalization.

It's important to remember that children develop at their own pace, and individual progress may vary. Educators and caregivers can support and facilitate growth by providing appropriate activities, guidance, and a nurturing environment.