Learning in Pre-K

By: Honey Tondre, ES Vice Principal: Early Childhood Specialist

As we continue to cultivate a learning environment that embodies the core values and attributes of ISB, we are thrilled to share our newest initiative with the community. In collaboration with our PreK Atelierista and homeroom assistants, the PreK teachers have curated a collection of Community Learning Spaces that foster curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. These spaces are designed to provide our youngest learners with greater access to materials, environments and program expertise, while encouraging collaboration with peers across classes in interest areas and project work. Our community spaces have been designed with our end of year unit, Our Beautiful Planet, and nature in mind.

In PreK, we believe that learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. Our Community Learning Spaces are evidence of this belief. These spaces provide students with opportunities to explore and express a variety of natural sensory materials, individually and in collaboration with peers, as they develop their motor skills, scientific reasoning, observational and language skills, and more. For instance, our Mud Kitchen/ Light/ Garden allows children to experience nature’s textures, colors, sounds and smells as they experiment with different ideas and engage in imaginative play. They also foster responsibility and respect for communal spaces.

Our Water/Mud Kitchen/Garden on the Patio provides opportunities for children to explore the senses of nature, observe how things in nature change, and engage in imaginative play, all while developing their social and communication skills, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Similarly, our Paint Outdoor Color Lab and Mixed Media Fabric and Bamboo spaces allow children to explore colors, textures, light, and mediums while fostering collaboration, observational skills, and the development of new ways of planning, designing, and building.

Our Dramatic Play space is one of the 100 languages that ISB believes children can use to facilitate social problem-solving, collaboration, and peer communication. At the same time, fostering connections between real-life experiences and the endless possibilities and scenarios they can create. Our Wire and Loose Parts space encourages the development of expressive languages, fine motor skills, invention, experimentation, and skill development. Our Nature Research Center provides a space for observational drawing, reading, researching, and exploring the elements of nature. Finally, our Construction and Clay spaces offer collaboration, imaginative expression, experimentation, and skill development opportunities in the 100 languages, including balance, spatial awareness, aesthetics, and architecture.

As we introduce our Community Learning Spaces, we are excited to see our youngest Panthers live out the attributes of ISB as they learn, collaborate, and grow. Our Community Learning Spaces are more than just areas for exploration and experimentation; they are living examples of ISB’s commitment to providing our students with a holistic and innovative education that prepares them to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens.

We invite the community to celebrate this exciting initiative and witness firsthand the magic that happens when learning is not confined to the classroom.