Our Program

The Early Years multiage program at Hokkaido International School is for children ages 3 and 4. The program is built on a foundation of understanding the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. We understand that the whole child must be nurtured, and are working towards establishing a Reggio-Inspired program that allows student-interest learning. This is done by providing an environment that is child centered, experiential, stimulating, creative, and flexible. Activities are designed to offer children opportunities to explore, experiment and discover with hands-on materials. The multiage learning environment, climate, and activities encourage students to develop confidence, skills, and attitudes that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 

Day to Day

Students can enter the classroom at 8am, where students will be involved in small play activities while we wait for everyone to arrive.

• At 9:30 we hold circle time, where students participate in songs, dance as well as practice their communication skills.

• At 10pm, students will have recess outside or the gym with the rest of the school.

• At 10:30, students return for their packed snack. This is followed by music with Ms. Sugino (only on B days).

• We then invite students to continue with their project learning, participating in activities based on student interest as well the IPC (International Primary Curriculum). We integrate many learning areas and skills (from English, to math, science, social studies, art), enabling students to explore, experiment and learn in their individual and unique way.

• 11:45 brings us to lunch recess, where students play outside with the rest of the school.

• At 12:05, students come back inside for packed or school lunch. *The School lunch menu is sent home every week, and can be ordered each day before 10am, or ordered for the whole week.

• This is followed by 30 minutes of “quiet time”, allowing students to wind down, relax and even nap if need be.

• The afternoon is filled with free choice activities, allowing students to navigate and work hard at play, a very important social skill.

• At 2:50 on B days, students will have Physical Education with Mr. Adams.

• 3:30 is home time, where parents pick up students from the classroom.

 

Note: Wednesdays are late start, meaning school starts at 9:30am. We also have Library time with Mrs. Katayama at 10am, where students get to explore the library. We often also have cooking class on Wednesdays as well, where parents are invited to join.

 

Communication

Communication between parents, teacher and student is very important, I highly recommend constant conversation about school to help encourage a positive attitude, as well as help students revise what they are learning at school. We use the program StoryPark, that allows teachers to upload pictures and video’s of your child directly to your phone.  I send home communication books everyday letting parents know how school was for their child that day. I send home a newsletter each Friday with information about the week, as well as upcoming events. I keep a portfolio book of your child’s learning (work and photo’s), for parents to look at any time. I send home two reports during the year, as well as hosting two conferences. If there are any concerns I or the parents have, we can always organise extra meetings as well.

 

Other

Throughout the year, we will organise field trips depending on the students and learning, where parents are more than welcome to join. The elementary school host’s an assembly for the HIS community once a month where our students often participate by singing songs or showing what we have been learning.

There are many whole school activities which give the EY students a chance to mix with other grades, which really help develop a whole school community spirit.  

Due to our age group, we don’t participate in our school’s sports day and school music performances, as well ski or skate days unless the parents can take the child individually.

The school often provides after-school activities for EY students depending on the activity and teacher. We are always looking for volunteers to help with these programs, please let me know if you are free after school to help.

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