Kindergarten: The First Step in an Inspiring Journey of Learning and Discovery
Kindergarten is the exciting first year of Elementary School and marks the beginning of your child’s educational journey within the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP is an international curriculum framework emphasising inquiry-based, hands-on learning, encouraging young learners to actively engage with the world around them. This approach supports developing confident, curious, and motivated students eager to explore and learn. The PYP focuses on fostering curiosity through a transdisciplinary model, where children make connections across subjects using real-world themes and experiences. In Grade K, students explore big ideas across various subjects—such as reading, writing, math, science, and cultural studies — in both classroom and real-life contexts.
The Importance of Literacy
One of the central pillars of our Kindergarten program is literacy development. In Grade K, students participate in Literacy activities, which introduce foundational reading and writing concepts and build the necessary skills to become successful, lifelong readers and writers.
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Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
Students develop confidence in decoding (sounding out) and encoding (spelling) words. Students become strong, fluent, and accurate readers by mastering these skills.
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Comprehension and Enjoyment of Reading
Through listening to stories read aloud and discussing them, children enhance their listening and comprehension skills, fostering a love for reading.
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Emerging Writing Skills
As students learn letter-sound relationships, they gain the tools to write words and sentences. Throughout the year, they will engage in different types of writing, including narrative, opinion, and informational pieces.
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Basic Grammar and Punctuation
Children begin to understand grammar and punctuation rules, which helps them write complete sentences with clarity and confidence.
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Hands-On Literacy Activities
Through various engaging and interactive activities, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, gradually building their literacy foundation.
This approach ensures that every child leaves Kindergarten with a solid grounding in literacy, ready to continue their journey as confident readers and writers.
Subjects in Grade K
In addition to literacy, Kindergarten focuses on nurturing the whole child. Students are engaged in both core subjects and special subjects, which help develop a wide range of skills.
Core Subjects
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Reading and Writing
Building foundational literacy through phonics, comprehension, and writing activities
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Mathematics
Exploring numbers, patterns, and basic math concepts through play
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Science
Developing observation and inquiry skills to explore the world around them
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Cultural Studies
Learning about different communities, cultures, and the environment
Special Subjects
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Library
Cultivating a love for books and developing research skills
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Music
Building an appreciation for rhythm and melody
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Physical Education
Promoting physical fitness and teamwork
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STEAM
Introducing age-appropriate technology skills
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Slovene
Introducing age-appropriate technology skills
Our Approach to Learning
In Kindergarten, we create a stimulating and supportive environment that fosters inquiry and independence. Through inquiry-based learning, children:
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Ask questions about the world around them
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Reflect on their learning, developing critical thinking skills
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Engage in hands-on activities to explore concepts and ideas
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Collaborate with classmates, promoting social interaction and teamwork
This approach helps students make sense of their learning, reinforcing their understanding of the world and building their confidence to take on new challenges.
Our Goals for Kindergarten
In Grade K, students will begin to build essential skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their future learning, all within the inquiry-driven and global-minded PYP framework.
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Instill a lifelong love of learning
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Foster confidence and independence in each learner
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Develop the whole child, including academic, social, emotional, and physical growth
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Provide a safe and nurturing environment where children feel empowered to explore and express themselves
“We inspire success with
a positive approach.”
Richard Carl Wieburg
School Director
Contact or visit us
There is nothing like seeing and experiencing our school in person. Arrange a meeting with our Director and take a tour of our Campus.
If you are unsure whether LIS is the right fit for your child, we encourage you to let your child join our classes for a day or two and experience firsthand what we offer.