Early Years (Nursery and Kindergarten)
ASIS preschool curricula are based on the Singapore Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Curriculum with a blend of the International Early Years Curriculum (iEYC) and the International Baccalaureate (PYP) Early Years Curriculum.
Our pedagogy and instructional strategies are Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired and we adopt the concepts of the Curiosity Approach. We believe in a blended methodology, combining the best of these approaches and distinctions to offer an enhanced educational and learning experience that meets the needs of different learners.
Our Philosophy:
Our Early Years Curriculum is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children in the levels of Nursery 1&2 , Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2. Our curriculum is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and capable of reaching their full potential when provided with a supportive and culturally responsive educational experience. Our school places a strong emphasis on play-based learning, inquiry, and hands-on experiences, fostering children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
Our Curriculum Framework:
Our curriculum outline is based on Singapore’s Nurturing Early Learners ( NEL) framework focused on holistic child development. It is structured together with International Early Years Curriculum ( IEYC ) as well as the IB early years curriculum of progressive pedagogy to underpin children’s foundational learning in our school. We use child focused dimensions and believe in children becoming competent learners through our six learning areas:
- Language and Literacy Development (Thai, English and Chinese):
– Vocabulary development through storytelling, songs, and rhymes
– Introduction to phonics and early reading skills
– Encouraging expressive and receptive language skills through conversations and discussions
- Mathematics:
– Exploring numbers, shapes, patterns, and sizes through hands-on activities
– Introduction to basic counting, sorting, and measurement concepts
– Developing problem-solving skills through games and puzzles
- Science and Exploration:
– Encouraging curiosity through inquiry-based learning
– Exploring the natural world, life cycles, and the environment
– Hands-on experiments and observations to promote critical thinking.
- Social and Emotional Development:
– Fostering a sense of self-awareness and empathy
– Promoting positive social interactions and conflict resolution
– Building self-confidence and independence through age-appropriate tasks
- Arts and Creativity:
– Exploring various forms of artistic expression such as drawing, painting, music, and dance
– Encouraging creativity and imagination through open-ended projects
– Exposure to different cultures and their artistic traditions
- Physical Development:
– Gross motor skills development through outdoor play and games
– Fine motor skills enhancement through activities like drawing, cutting, and threading
– Promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition education
Assessment and Progress Monitoring:
– Continuous observation and documentation of each child’s progress
– Regular parent-teacher conferences to share insights and set goals
– Individualized learning plans to address specific needs and interests
Enrichment Activities:
– Field trips, guest speakers, and cultural events to enhance learning experiences
– Community service projects to instill a sense of social responsibility
– Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and art.
Parent Involvement:
– Encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s education
– Providing resources and workshops to support parents in fostering their child’s development.
Transitions to succeeding levels (Kindergarten):
– Gradual preparation for the transition to the next level, focusing on readiness skills
– Collaboration with higher level teachers to ensure a smooth progression
Chinese Curriculum Overview (N1 – K2)
The Chinese Kindergarten curriculum at SIS, crafted at the intersection of the Singapore Nurturing Early
Learners Framework and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme, is a comprehensive and holistic educational approach.
Drawing from the Singaporean NEL framework, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on the nurturing of foundational skills in Mandarin, including the mastery of characters, basic conversational proficiency, and an appreciation for Chinese culture.
Integrated with the IB Early Years Programme, the curriculum adopts an inquiny-based learning approach, encouraging young learners to explore the Chinese language through curiosity-driven investions and hands-on experiences. The curriculum also emphasizes transdisciplinary themes that facilitate connections across various subjects, promoting a well-rounded development of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.
Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through meaningful inguiries, fostering a love for learning and a deep understanding of the Chinese language and culture. This combined approach aims to prepare students for future academic success while nurturing them as inquisitive, empathetic, and culturally aware global citizens.
Contents of N1 - K2 Chinese Curriculum
The scheme of work for kindergarten Chinese language at SIS, harmonizing the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme and the Singapore Nurturing Early Learners Framework, is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for young learners.
Grounded in the IB’s holistic approach, the scheme integrates inquiry-based learning methodologies, promoting active exploration and hands-on experiences to develop language proficiency. Aligned with the Singapore curriculum, the scheme places emphasis on foundational skills in Mandarin, including character recognition, basic conversation, and cultural appreciation.
Learning activities are designed to be interactive and dynamic, fostering an environment that stimulates curiosity and creativity. The scheme of work is structured to include diverse teaching strategies, learning centers, and differentiated approaches to cater to individual learning styles, ensuring that each child develops linguistic skills at their own pace.
This integrated approach not only nurtures language acquisition but also supports the broader goals of holistic development, aligning with the educational philosophies of both the IB and the Singapore curriculum for the kindergarten years.
| IB Transdisciplinary Themes | N | K1 | K2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who we are – My face – My body – My family – My emotions – My hobby How we organise ourselves – Fruits – Vegetables – Healthy eating Sharing the planet – Farm animals – Water animals – Wild Animals – Insects – Weather & Nature How the world works – Transportation – Occupation – My Community |
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Desired Goals
The desired goals for kindergarten Chinese language education, integrating the principles of the Internal Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme and the Singapore Nurturing Early Learners Framework, encompass a holistic development of language proficiency and essential skills.
Rooted in the IB’s philosophy, the program aims to cultivate not only linguistic competencies but also the broader Approaches to Learning(ATL) skills. These skills include communication, social interaction, self-management, research, and critical thinking.
Aligned with the Singapore NEL Framework, the aim of language teaching and learning is is for children to enjoy learning language in an active and interactive manner so that they will be able to develop their interest and confidence in using the language on a daily basis. To achieve this, three broad objectives have been outlined and they are a) Communication, b) Culture and c) Connection.
In SIS, our tailored desired learning goals focus on achieving foundational skills in Mandarin, such as character recognition, basic conversational abilities, and an appreciation for Chinese culture.
Assessments
The assessment of Chinese language proficiency in SIS kindergarten, anchored in the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme and the Singapore curriculum, is a comprehensive and nuanced process.
Drawing from the IB’s holistic approach, assessments focus not only on linguistic competencies but also on the broader aspects of a child’s development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
In alignment with the Singapore curriculum’s emphasis on foundational skills, assessments encompass the ability to comprehend and express ideas in Mandarin, recognize Chinese characters, and engage in age-appropriate conversations.
A variety of assessment tools, such as observations, portfolio evaluations, and language-based actities, are emploved to provide a well-rounded understanding of each child’s progress. Teachers utize formative assessments to inform instructional strategies and ensure that differentiated learning needs are met.
The goal is to foster a supportive and encouraging environment that not only promotes language proficiency but also nurtures a positive attitude toward Chinese language and culture, reflecting the IB and Singon commitment to fostering holistic development in the early years.
Formative assessment per term
- N Listening and Speaking FA
- Ki – K2: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Tracing/Writing FA
Summative assessment per term
- N: No SA for K1
- K1 – K2: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Tracing/Writing SA
- IB ATL skills
- Observation
- Portfolios