KINDERGARTEN: PROGRAM OVERVIEW Early Childhood Children develop rapidly in the early years - physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. At this critical stage of development, we provide children with the very best start to their education - to establish solid foundations on which they can build and continue to grow throughout their school years and beyond. In Kindergarten, Teachers: Work with each student at his / her own developmental level, recognizing and accounting for different learning styles. Provide a nurturing atmosphere that supports the students emotional well being and positive social interaction in a multicultural setting. Provide an environment that encourages the development of a love for learning. Challenge each student to work towards his/her full potential. Social and Personal Growth and Development It is our desire that our students achieve their full potential socially, intellectually, technically, artistically and physically. We encourage our children to learn and demonstrate social skills and manners necessary to enable them to show respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment. We expect our students to learn to follow directions, be attentive, and work within a group setting and independently. We also expect that our students will learn how to accept responsibility, show self-confidence and cooperate with peers and adults. As these are life skills and necessary for success, we incorporate these skills into each subject area to make learning more meaningful and authentic. The Early Childhood Curriculum Our Early Childhood curriculum is designed to aid in the development of key learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, cooperation and persistence. The Early Childhood curriculum provides the basis for continued growth throughout the school years. The curriculum is carefully structured with: Provisions for each child’s starting point, building on prior knowledge and ability. Relevant and appropriate content that matches the different levels of young children’s needs. Planned and purposeful activities that provide opportunities for teaching and learning both indoors and outdoors. Provisions for the teachers’ knowledge of child development and care strategies as well as each child’s individual learning strengths. Themes The curriculum introduces relevant, appropriate and meaningful themes which fascinate and stimulate their curiosity and enthusiasm. Play Play is an enjoyable, voluntary, purposeful and spontaneously chosen activity. It is often creative as well, involving problem solving, learning new social skills, new language and physical skills. Play is a central part of our curriculum. Play is your child’s work. Language Arts- Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking Planned and incidental work using communication, language and literature in every part of the curriculum enables children to make connections between experiences and ideas. Children are encouraged to narrate, describe, remember, question and answer as well as express thoughts and feelings. Children listen to favorite nursery rhymes and stories, enjoy action songs, are encouraged to make stories, draw, paint and talk about what they have done. Children visit the library for stories, activities and to borrow books to enjoy at home, learning basic book care skills. Some structured writing, letter and number recognition is introduced. Mathematics This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, making connections, seeking patterns, recognizing shapes, space and measures. Mathematical understanding is developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play allowing children to build an enjoyment of using and experimenting with numbers. Mathematical concepts are integrated into curriculum themes and are flexible to reflect children’s interest and abilities. Science and Social Studies In these areas of learning, children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding to help them become aware of the wider world and to make sense of it. This forms the foundation for later work in science, design and technology, information technology, history and geography. A variety of themes are used throughout all levels. Stories, books - fiction and non-fiction - activities, games, art projects, music, guest speakers, videos and cooking are all used to reinforce the concepts taught in the theme area. Some of the themes studied in Kindergarten B include: houses and homes, maps, UN Day and methods of transport. Technology Interactive computer games or early childhood CDs are used with the whole group at the beginning of each computer class. Students learn basic computer skills such as using the mouse and being able to click programs to open and to close programs. They use educational computer games that improves eye-hand coordination and thinking skills. Art and Music Art and Music are incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum with additional opportunities for special projects or for aesthetic enjoyment. Being creative enables children to make connections between areas of learning, extending their understanding. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that they can respond to by using many senses. The emphasis is on the process rather than the final product. In Art Class, students complete art activities that help to refine motor skills and develop understanding about the basic elements and principles of design. Students will also have the opportunity to experience a variety of media. In Music Class, songs, actions and movement provide opportunities for children to express their emotions. Children join in singing familiar songs and explore musical elements through stories, rhymes and games. Children also have opportunities to investigate where sound comes from and to experiment with sounds and rhythm, building on their fine motor skills and listening skills. They begin to play percussion instruments showing care and control. The emphasis is on enjoying both playing with instruments and listening to the music. Physical Education and Swimming The body is the young child’s primary tool for discovery. Planned activities that offer appropriate physical challenges help develop skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement, as well as daily classroom activities. Students attend two P.E. classes in the gym each week. Kindergarten students have weekly swimming lessons, where they learn water safety rules, to overcome any fear of swimming, basic floating and swimming skills. ESL (English as a Second Language) Due to the multicultural nature of international schools, many students have a language other than English as their first language. While the language of instruction at NISC is English, the teacher accommodates the students whose first language is not English within the classroom setting. Special Activities Kindergarten children enjoy a wide variety of special activities, including music, computer, PE, swimming, gardening, cooking and Khmer culture. Cambodian Culture We desire our students to develop an understanding and appreciation for Cambodia and its people. Kindergarten children learn about and take part in special holiday celebrations.

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This site was last updated 10/30/08