Early Years

During our Understanding of the World sessions in Reception, we have been learning all about simple maps! We began by exploring the question, “What is a map?” and examined a variety of examples, including playground maps and town maps. We also learned about the different components of a map key and how symbols help us understand important features.

We then discussed how we might draw a map of familiar places, such as our playground or even the swimming pool. The children were excited to explore how maps represent real locations from a bird’s-eye view. They experimented with drawing pathways,, and well-known areas around the school.

It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as they designed their own maps—each one unique and full of imaginative detail. Watching their confidence grow as they made sense of the world around them was truly inspiring.

Ms. Dima Dakik

This month, our early years students explored a variety of sensory and imaginative activities. They enjoyed touching and manipulating spaghetti, using their imagination to pretend they were harvesting vegetables, chopping them, and tasting their creations. 

The children also engaged in mark-making, enthusiastically spreading paint and creating patterns using straws. 

Another highlight was making their own ice lollies, which they found both fun and exciting.

It was wonderful to see all the students so engaged and enthusiastic throughout these activities.

Ms. Kezban Fernandez 

Pretend or Role-play situations in early years settings play a vital role in fostering children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. These interactive experiences allow children to explore different perspectives, enhance their communication skills, and develop problem-solving abilities.

During our most recent Kindergarten a class assembly, the children eagerly engaged in role-playing their favourite story, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”. The enthusiastic reenactment not only brought the beloved tale to life but also encouraged collaboration and creativity among the children.

 As children took on various roles, they practiced empathy by understanding the feelings of others, thereby solidifying the story’s themes. Role play activities reinforce the importance of storytelling in early learning and provide a rich, engaging context for children to express themselves and learn valuable life skills.

Ms. Eva Nalukwago 

Our little learners explored the world of 2D shapes—but not just by naming them! They went beyond simple identification and discovered how shapes can be manipulated, combined and transformed to create something entirely new.

Using circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, semi-circles etc, the children experimented with how different shapes fit together. They discovered that two triangles can become a square, or that a group of rectangles can turn into a rocket.

The classroom buzzed with creativity as children proudly designed and built their own masterpieces. From houses with perfectly placed windows and doors, to rockets ready to blast off, to dinosaurs, ice creams, and many other imaginative creations—their work showed how Math becomes magical when creativity is given wings.

Ms. Varsha Gurbani