We support the children when trying new activities and initiating ideas. This helps them build confidence and develop self esteem, which in turn promotes a positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning. Staff model good relationships which inspire the children to work cooperatively together and form friendships. They learn self control and what is appropriate behaviour, which leads them to respecting themselves and others.
Communication, Language and Literacy
The children’s communication and thinking skills flourish within our stimulating and language rich environment. They are encouraged to interact verbally with others, learn new vocabulary and enjoy stories, songs, poems and rhymes. We supply other fun opportunities with puppets and in the role play areas, as well as the EAL scheme ‘Tiny Talk’ for non-native speakers.
Our classrooms have well resourced book corners, plus the children make weekly trips to the library. Where appropriate, they are made aware of letter sounds and the meaning of print. In F3 they follow a more structured approach via the ‘Jolly Phonics Scheme’, which guides them to read and write simple words. Children are given constant opportunities to develop attempts at writing using a variety of different methods.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children are provided with fun practical maths activities and investigations, which encourage them to use their knowledge to solve problems. They are encouraged when using numbers and counting in their play and come to learn that numbers and amounts are linked. In F3 they are introduced to simple addition and subtraction and concepts such as time and money. The children’s awareness is also brought to shapes and the ideas and language involved with measurements.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Through stimulating hands on experiences, the children look at change, patterns and how and why things work. They learn to predict, experiment, plan and question in a variety of contexts. The children are given opportunities to design and construct using tools and techniques. They also take part in gardening and cooking sessions, explore materials through sand and water play and use simple computer programs. They learn about past and present and are involved in celebrating both Thai and Western cultural events.
Physical Development
We present opportunities for the children to develop their gross motor skills and discover how their bodies work and begin every morning with the Wake and Shake exercise program. As well as weekly PE and swimming lessons with qualified sports teachers, the children can participate in yoga, ring games and daily play on bicycles, swings and the climbing equipment. Health and hygiene is explored through topic work and real life experiences. Fine motor skills are developed through a range of activities including play dough, puzzles, art, threading and linking activities and the use of construction toys.
Creative Development
Art and craft, music and dance and imaginative and role-play activities all encourage the children to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings. In art and craft the emphasis is on process rather than product; they are encouraged to learn through participation and experimentation. There are chances to explore both large and small scale pieces using a wide range of media and materials.
The children are able to express their life experiences through dance and role play. In Music, with a specialist teacher, the children learn simple songs, become aware of sounds and play simple percussion instruments.
Intranet
