KIS Early Years Programme
Our Early Years Program at KIS is progressive, creative and inspiring. We teach and nurture the whole child through playful developmentally-appropriate interactions and experiences. Children thrive when their interests are respected and honored and as a school we provide a holistic learning environment, where children are empowered with authentic opportunities to inquire, discover and collaborate.
Our early learning experience is designed with unique experiences where children work rigorously on developing strong foundational skills, enriched with a balanced approach that prepares them to be internationally-minded global citizens.
All students have access to a team of professionals who advocate for and support their academic, social, and personal growth. KIS’s student support services include the School Counselor, Learning Support Teacher, English as Additional Language Services (EAL) as well as a Speech and Language Therapist.
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Numeracy involves exploring key mathematical concepts that lay the foundation for understanding numbers and their relationships. This includes counting and cardinality, operations and algebraic thinking, as well as measurement, data, and geometry. All of these areas are aligned with the Kansas State Standards, ensuring that students build a solid mathematical foundation.
The arts encompass both performing arts, through music and role play, and visual arts. Students engage in a dynamic process of creation and appreciation, exploring their imagination and creativity by experimenting with different mediums and studying various artists. They also perform and create music, fostering self-expression while building a deeper understanding of the artistic world around them.
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The Early Years program at KIS adopts a student-centered approach with a focus on play-based learning. With the IB at the center of our curriculum, our inquiry-based learning approach offers children meaningful opportunities to collaborate, socialize, problem-solve, and understand the world around them. Through inquiry and intentional teaching, the children engage in transdisciplinary experiences across subjects such as math, science, music, art, physical education and Russian.
Literacy in the Early Years is about building a strong foundation for language development, communication, and a lifelong love for reading. Through activities like storytelling, singing, and recognizing letters and sounds, young children begin to develop key skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
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Our students learn to analyze, interpret, and appreciate art and music, fostering critical thinking and cultural responsiveness. By engaging with diverse expressions, they develop an appreciation for different perspectives and cultures.
Outdoor, inquiry-based learning sparks curiosity and creativity. Activities like a numeracy-based scavenger hunt in the park blend hands-on exploration with foundational math skills, promoting teamwork, observation, and a deeper connection to the world.
Our field trips, such as the recent numeracy-based scavenger hunt, exemplify this approach. During the excursion, students ventured into the park, searching for various natural objects like leaves, rocks, and flowers. As they discovered these items, they practiced counting and writing corresponding numbers, reinforcing their foundational math skills in a playful and engaging manner. This hands-on experience not only made learning enjoyable but also helped develop their observational skills and encourage teamwork, illustrating the importance of outdoor inquiry in our Early Years Program.
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