The ABCs of Early Years at the Canadian International School

Through a range of activities, children at Canadian International School (CIS) acquire the knowledge and confidence they need to progress in literacy, numeracy, multilingual communication and problem-solving skills. JULIANE HEROLD, Assistant to the Kindergarten Principal at CIS, shares how Early Years learning looks for three-, four- and five-year-olds at the school.   If you’re looking for a preschool you can come along to one of  ‘taster’ days held throughout the year.

Learning is everywhere in the Early Years at CIS. Behind each experience is a clear learning intention, supported by a carefully designed programme and purposefully built learning spaces.

A is for… Academic Foundations in the Early Years

What you see: Mud kitchens, water play, experiments
What’s really happening: Early maths, science, independent thinking

A child pours water from one container into another. Another predicts which object will sink. A third counts how many scoops of sand it takes to fill a cup. These experiences introduce concepts such as volume, mass, capacity, prediction and measurement.

In the Outdoor Discovery Centre, mixing, pouring and measuring become practical maths, while predicting, experimenting and adapting encourage independent thinking.

This is part of a carefully structured Early Years framework at CIS. From Nursery to Junior Kindergarten, students progress through EYFS Development Matters, develop literacy through the American Common Core in Senior Kindergarten, and build mathematical foundations through the Ontario curriculum.

B is for… Bilingual & Multilingual Learning

What you see: Stories, songs, language learning
What’s really happening: Bi-cultural, bi-cognitive young thinkers developing a unique global perspective

As children move between languages in Canadian International School’s multilingual kindergarten, they encounter different ways of expressing ideas, making connections and interpreting the world.

Through stories, traditions, celebrations and everyday interactions, students develop an understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

As they learn to navigate differences, build relationships and communicate meaningfully across cultures, they develop the adaptability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

C is for… Creative Development through the Arts

What you see: Costumes, choreography, a stage full of young performers
What’s really happening: Research, literacy, collaboration, problem solving, creative thinking

Throughout the year, Early Years students perform in the Black Box Theatre. However, the finished performance is much more than a show for families; it’s a demonstration of a rich learning experience.

Students inquire into ideas from their own experiences. They conduct research and make observations. They apply their learnings by creating characters, writing original songs, choreographing dances, designing costumes, and building sets and props.

Students have the autonomy to contribute their own ideas — experimenting, creating, revising and trying again. Along the way, they build confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and resilience.

When they step onto the stage, they’re applying literacy, numeracy, collaboration and creativity through something they have imagined, created and brought to life themselves.

Try an Early Years session at Canadian International School

You can get a deeper look at the Early Years at Canadian International School at the taster days held throughout the year.

Your child will have the chance to: join inquiry-based classroom activities; explore creative art, music, storytelling and play; enjoy outdoor play, exploration and discovery; and meet caring and experienced teachers.

Parents will get the opportunity to: learn more about the Early Years curriculum; meet CIS leadership and teachers; tour the purpose-built campus; learn how the school nurtures confident, curious learners from young; and enjoy coffee and refreshments.

Register your interest here.

Canadian International School is at 7 Jurong West Street 41.
6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg

This article first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now. Also, get to know the new CIS Head of School here and read more about the school celebrating 35 years in Singapore here.

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