CISN-K | A Journey of Diverse Learning at Concordia Kindergarten

K0: Learning to Coexist through Rules and Unlocking the Door to Autonomous Growth

The nursery class has embarked on an inquiry journey about rules and conventions, themed around "How We Organize Ourselves." Guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework, the children have gained a deep understanding of how communities operate through shared agreements, through hands-on practice and play-based learning. They have collaboratively established classroom routines, participated in daily affairs, and reflected on the importance of rules in maintaining a harmonious environment. By taking turns, sharing resources, and completing tasks together, the children have not only developed essential social and self-management skills but also reinforced the PYP's emphasis on action and participation.

Through inquiry-based discussions and experiential learning, the children have delved into the origins of rules. They have experienced the positive outcomes of cooperation, such as stronger friendships and a respectful classroom culture, as well as the natural consequences of not following guidelines. This exploration has effectively cultivated their critical thinking and responsible decision-making abilities. Through games, storytelling, and role-playing, the children have further reinforced the concept that "rules exist to promote fairness and safety," which has become a fundamental part of their daily interactions and extended into their ongoing kindergarten life.

This inquiry not only supports the PYP's commitment to interdisciplinary learning but also promotes the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL), especially in communication and social skills. By internalizing these experiences, the children have demonstrated an international perspective in their community, valuing respect, empathy, and shared responsibility.

K1: Becoming Community Helpers and Building a Better Home Together

The learning journey of K1 has revolved around the theme of "Community Helpers," with children actively exploring how individuals can collaborate to improve the community. In the "Introduction" phase, we activated the children's prior knowledge and identified their interests through pre-assessments and KWL (Know-Want to Know-Learned) charts. In the "Discovery" phase, we divided the inquiry into three life scenarios: family (parents), school (teachers), and the broader society (doctors), focusing on three main inquiry threads through progressive learning.

In the "Synthesis" stage, the children creatively constructed their knowledge through practical activities such as creating a "Community Heroes" booklet and role-playing as firefighters and doctors. In the "In-Depth Inquiry" phase, we expanded beyond the core curriculum to explore personalized questions raised by the students, such as "veterinarians," fully stimulating individual interests. In the "Reflection and Assessment" phase, we systematically reviewed the learning outcomes, observed cognitive shifts, and envisioned future career prospects. By revisiting the inquiry cycle and completing summative assessments, the children deeply internalized their knowledge. Finally, in the "Action" phase, the students applied what they had learned to optimize the campus by designing and creating constructive public service posters.

Through the integration of the three core concepts of "Connections-Responsibility-Perspectives," this unit has helped learners build a three-dimensional understanding of the community support network, empowering each community member to become an active social builder.

K2: Exploring the Beauty of Nature and Laying the Foundation for Growth

In this vibrant semester, the K2 children have successfully completed the exciting "Sharing the Planet" unit. To spark their interest, we employed hands-on teaching methods, guiding the children to grow through exploration and gain from experience.

In the "Planting Hope and Harvesting Growth" activity, the children learned the mysteries of plant growth by planting seeds. From understanding the conditions needed for plant growth to taking care of the plants themselves, the children observed, recorded, and reflected on the changes in the plants every day. This process not only enriched their knowledge but also cultivated their sense of responsibility and patience.

In the "Exploring Nature and Sensing Life" segment, we organized two meaningful field trips. The first was a K2 group outing where the children explored the mysteries of mosses and ferns in nature, deeply feeling the beauty and magic of the natural world and gaining a deeper understanding of plant diversity. The second was a whole-kindergarten activity where the children went outdoors to make an "insect hotel" and participated in various interesting outdoor activities. Through close contact with nature, the children learned to care for life and respect nature.

During the learning process, we also produced a video showcasing the learning outcomes of the two K2 classes. Shared through the Concordia WeChat public account, the video received 226 interactions, becoming one of the most popular videos in the school's history. The children showcased their learning achievements in English to a broader audience, demonstrating their confidence and talent. At the end of the unit, we held a charity sale. The children sold items they had made themselves at the sale stalls, not only improving their oral expression skills but also learning to care for others. Through this activity, the children turned their handmade items into donations, sending warmth to those in need.

We are grateful for the continuous support and encouragement from parents to the children and teachers. As we are about to embark on the new unit "How We Express Ourselves," we will continue to accompany the children on their journey of knowledge exploration and witness their growth and progress. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and let's look forward to the children shining even brighter in their new learning journey!

K3: Exploring the Wonders of the Ocean and Protecting the Blue Planet

The K3 children have just completed the "Sharing the Planet" inquiry unit, embarking on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the ocean. We delved into the diverse marine life that calls the ocean home, from tiny plankton to giant whales, discovering how they adapt to their unique habitats to survive. One fascinating topic was the layers of the ocean — the sunlight zone, twilight zone, midnight zone, abyssal zone, and hadal zone. We were amazed to find that different animals live in each layer, using special survival skills such as bioluminescence and camouflage.

We also discussed the importance of protecting the ocean. Through stories and activities, the children learned how pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten marine life. Simple actions like reducing plastic use, recycling, and supporting beach cleanups can make a significant impact. Hands-on experiments, art projects, and an exciting field trip made our learning fun and unforgettable. This unit helped the children appreciate the beauty of the ocean and understand that each of us has a responsibility to protect it for future generations. After completing the inquiry unit, the students were fascinated by the different marine creatures and their characteristics, and they were able to discuss and debate various viewpoints with great interest. Ultimately, we realized that sharing the planet means caring for every living being — even those hidden deep beneath the sea!

At Concordia, we always put children at the center and stimulate their spirit of exploration and creativity through diverse teaching methods and rich learning activities. We believe that every child is a unique individual with unlimited potential waiting to be uncovered. Let's join hands to lay a solid foundation for the children's future, helping them grow strong on the path of growth and become little global citizens with an international perspective, care for others, and respect for nature!