Pre-K

Our Preschool program is designed around an inquiry-play-based continuum, which provides a strong framework for supporting early childhood learning. This continuum seamlessly integrates the principles of inquiry-based learning and play-based practice to create a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for our young learners in the preschool setting.

At the core of our program is inquiry-based learning, which encourages preschoolers to explore their interests, ask questions, and actively participate in their learning process. Through inquiry, children develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of concepts. We foster their natural curiosity and encourage them to investigate and discover the world around them in age-appropriate ways. We recognize that play is the primary way preschoolers learn and make sense of their experiences. Play provides opportunities for creativity, imagination, and social interaction, allowing children to develop cognitive, emotional, and physical skills in a fun and natural manner. We create a supportive environment that encourages various types of play and provide materials that stimulate their interests and promote exploration.

The inquiry-play-based continuum in our Preschool program ensures a seamless integration of inquiry and play throughout the children's learning experiences. We believe that inquiry and play go hand in hand and are essential for their development. Play offers a context for inquiry, while inquiry enriches and extends their play experiences.

Our teachers play a crucial role in supporting children's learning within this continuum. They observe, listen, and engage in intentional interactions with the preschoolers to extend their thinking, provoke deeper questions, and introduce new ideas. Teachers provide guidance and support, allowing the children to explore and discover while maintaining a balance between child-initiated and teacher-guided activities.

By embracing the inquiry-play-based continuum, our preschool program promotes active engagement, critical thinking, creativity, and social development in our young learners. We recognize that preschoolers learn best when they are actively involved, have opportunities for hands-on exploration, and can make meaningful connections to their experiences.

Through this approach, we nurture their curiosity, foster their love for learning, and lay the groundwork for their future growth and success.

Literacy

In Pre-K we prioritize English literacy development and provide age-appropriate skills to support your child's educational journey. We understand the importance of building a strong foundation in English literacy. Our experienced educators are dedicated to creating a language-rich environment that fosters a love for reading, writing, and communication.

We focus on building phonemic awareness, developing vocabulary, and nurturing early reading and writing skills. Our goal is to equip every child with the necessary tools to become confident and proficient in English. We believe that a solid foundation in English literacy is essential for your child's future academic success.

While English serves as the primary instructional language, we recognize and celebrate the importance of children's mother tongues. We develop Mandarin vocabulary, phrases, and simple conversational skills in an age-appropriate manner. This exposure to Mandarin not only expands your child's linguistic abilities but also fosters local cultural awareness and global understanding.

We recognize that each child is unique, and our educators are attentive to individual learning needs. We provide a supportive and nurturing environment where your child can explore and practice their Mandarin and English language skills at their own pace. Our educators are skilled in scaffolding instruction and ensuring that your child feels comfortable and empowered to communicate in both Mandarin and English.

By offering a comprehensive Mandarin program alongside English literacy development, we provide your child with a well-rounded education that prepares them for an increasingly interconnected world. Your child will have the opportunity to develop fluency in English while also gaining proficiency in Mandarin, opening doors to future opportunities, and fostering a multicultural mindset.

Language Development (Communication, Literacy, ESL learning, and Pre-Writing)

Communication Skills:

Express needs to peers and teachers.
Respond to greetings and simple questions.
Communicate effectively in a group setting.
Follow 2-3 step directions.
Use simple language to talk about themselves, families, and daily activities.
Describe events in sequence.
Use English vocabulary to respond to questions.
Engage in stories, asking questions and participating.

Phonemic and Phonics Development and Reading:

Listen to various reading materials for enjoyment and information.
Respond appropriately to different types of texts.
Understand that books consist of letters, words, and sentences.
Recognize some characters from familiar stories.
Identify some lowercase letters.
Associate letters with their sounds.
Identify familiar signs and text in the classroom.
Identify beginning sounds of familiar words.
Understand text orientation and book structure.

Pre-Writing Skills:

Use various tools and materials for writing.
Demonstrate recognizable letter and number formations.
Interpret their own writing.
Hold a writing tool correctly with some guidance.
Write or trace their own name.
Participate in pre-writing activities.

Numeracy

In our preschool program, we dedicate ourselves to developing the foundations of mathematical understanding in children. Through an integrated numeracy approach, we empower our preschoolers to apply problem-solving skills and develop a deep comprehension of mathematics in relation to the world around them. Our educators create a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere where preschoolers can actively explore and experiment with mathematical concepts. We understand the importance of play and hands-on experiences in reinforcing numeracy skills and fostering interest and opportunity for mathematical concepts to be developed. By focusing on these key outcomes, we aim to establish a strong foundation for future mathematical learning, ensuring that preschoolers have the skills and confidence to excel as they progress to higher grade levels.

Number Recognition: We introduce numbers and help preschoolers recognize and identify them. Through engaging activities and interactive experiences, we create a fun and supportive environment for children to understand the meaning and significance of numbers represented in different ways.
Counting Skills: We encourage preschoolers to develop their counting skills, both forward and backward. By counting objects, engaging in play and movement-based activities, and using various manipulatives, children learn to associate numbers with quantities and develop a solid grasp of number sequences.
One-to-One Correspondence: We develop their understanding of the concept of one-to-one correspondence, where each object being counted is matched with a number. This skill helps children develop an accurate understanding of quantity and lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts.
Sorting and Classifying: Through hands-on sorting and classifying activities, we help children recognize similarities and differences among objects. This allows them to develop logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of basic mathematical relationships.
Shapes and Patterns: We introduce a variety of shapes and patterns found in the environment. Through guided and structured play engagements, children begin to identify shapes and patterns, developing spatial awareness and preparing for future geometry concepts.
Measurement: Children engage in activities that involve comparing sizes and using both non-standard and standard measuring tools to analyze different lengths and quantities.
Problem Solving: We provide children with age-appropriate problem-solving activities that incorporate numeracy concepts. This encourages critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the application of mathematical strategies to solve real-life problems.

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 improved fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil with a tripod grip and attempting to write or trace basic shapes or letters.
Shows progress in cutting with scissors along a straight line or simple curves.
Participates in physical activities that enhance gross motor skills, such as hopping, skipping, or balancing on one foot.
Begins to show improved coordination and control while engaging in games or sports-like activities.

Social and Emotional Strategies:

Engages in cooperative play with peers, taking on roles and engaging in imaginative play scenarios.
Demonstrates improved sharing and turn-taking skills during play and group activities.
Expresses a wider range of emotions and begins to use words to communicate feelings and needs effectively.
Shows developing empathy by showing concern for others and offering comfort or assistance.
Demonstrates increasing independence and self-help skills, such as dressing oneself or tidying up personal belongings.

Character Building and PYP Learner Profiles:

Demonstrates understanding and application of the learner profiles, such as showing respect for others, being a responsible member of the classroom community, or demonstrating open-mindedness.
Engages in discussions or activities that promote curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Shows growing self-awareness and reflection by recognizing and verbalizing their own strengths and areas for improvement.
Demonstrates an understanding of basic ethical principles, such as fairness, honesty, and kindness.
Begins to exhibit a sense of responsibility toward the environment and shows an interest in sustainability practices.

Music, Rhythm, and Library Lessons:

Participates actively in music and movement activities, following along with simple rhythms and melodies.
Begins to demonstrate an understanding of basic musical concepts, such as high and low pitches or fast and slow tempos.
Shows an increasing interest in books and engages in storytelling activities, such as retelling a familiar story or predicting what might happen next.
Demonstrates emerging literacy skills, such as recognizing and naming letters or attempting to write or trace their own name.
Shows growing comprehension skills by answering questions about the story, making connections, or expressing personal opinions.

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.