Early Learning Curriculum

Early Learning (Ages 3-5)

Our Early Learning Center curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Through a play-based approach, children explore the world around them through hands-on activities, storytelling, dramatic play, and open-ended discovery. While they engage in joyful learning experiences, they also build essential early literacy and numeracy skills, laying a strong foundation for future academic success. By blending structured guidance with imaginative exploration, we nurture confident, inquisitive learners who are ready to thrive in their educational journey.

Language Arts

Cultivating a Love for Reading & Writing

In our Elementary School Language Arts program, we follow the American Common Core Standards to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation. In the early years, our focus is on phonics, word recognition, and developing fine motor skills—key components that help students take their first steps into literacy. As students progress, we emphasize building vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills through a workshop framework that allows teachers to personalize instruction and meet the unique needs of each learner.

Our goal is to inspire lifelong readers and writers—children who are not only skilled in literacy but also passionate about exploring the world through words. By cultivating both technical skills and a love for storytelling and information, we prepare students to confidently communicate their thoughts and ideas, setting them up for success in the years ahead.

Mathematics

Developing Mathematical Thinking

At KAIS, we use the Singapore Math program (Math in Focus), aligned with the American Common Core Standards, to provide a robust foundation in numeracy. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, supporting students in mastering both basic arithmetic and advanced problem-solving skills.

Singapore Math uses a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, guiding students from hands-on activities to visual models, and then to abstract reasoning. This method allows students to build a strong conceptual understanding before moving on to more complex math operations. Our goal is to develop confident problem-solvers who approach math with curiosity and determination. Students are encouraged to apply their skills in real-world situations, making math both relevant and engaging.

Science

Exploring the Wonders of Science

Our Elementary School Science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizes a hands-on approach that combines science literacy with project-based learning. We focus on fostering students’ natural curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them and seek answers through exploration and experimentation.

Our curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning, where group work plays a crucial role in developing teamwork skills and enhancing understanding of scientific concepts. Students engage in experiments, conduct research, and work on projects that ignite their passion for science, making learning both relevant and exciting.

By integrating inquiry-based learning with practical applications, we help students build a solid foundation in scientific principles while nurturing their love for discovery.

Social Studies

Understanding Ourselves and the World

Our Elementary School Social Studies program emphasizes engaging and interactive learning experiences that help students understand themselves and the world around them. Through a variety of inquiry-based activities, students explore different cultures, traditions, and geographical regions, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and the richness of human experiences.

Our curriculum encourages young learners to become informed global citizens, highlighting the importance of being responsible members of their local and global communities. By examining concepts of human rights and social responsibility, students develop empathy and awareness, empowering them to make positive contributions to society.

Through real-world connections and collaborative projects, students not only gain knowledge but also sharpen their critical thinking skills.

Japanese

Exploring Japanese Language & Culture

Our Elementary School Japanese Language Program is designed to cater to both non-native and native speakers, fostering an appreciation and understanding of the Japanese language and culture.

For non-native speakers, our curriculum introduces students to essential language skills while exploring the rich traditions and customs of Japan. Through interactive activities and cultural experiences, students develop a genuine connection to their host country.

For native speakers, we offer differentiated courses that focus on enhancing reading, writing, and kanji skills. These classes not only strengthen language proficiency but also deepen students’ understanding of their own cultural heritage.

Physical Education

Building Confidence, Strength, & Endurance

Our Elementary School Physical Education program is designed to lay a strong foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being. We emphasize the development of essential locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills that promote confidence, strength, and endurance. Through a variety of engaging activities, students are encouraged to explore different forms of movement, enhancing their fitness levels while discovering the joy of physical activity.

Students participate in cooperative games and individual challenges that encourage them to push their boundaries, set personal goals, and build resilience.

Differentiated Labs

Data-Driven Learning

Our Differentiated Lab Class utilizes the i-Ready program, an adaptive learning platform designed to meet the diverse needs of our students in reading and math. Aligned with American Common Core Standards, this program begins with a diagnostic test that assesses each student’s current skill level and places them at the appropriate grade level.

The program then provides students with level-appropriate lessons tailored to their individual needs. This ensures they receive targeted support to fill in any gaps in their understanding or to extend their learning for those who are working ahead. Throughout the year, students complete three diagnostics, allowing us to gather valuable data and track their progress over time.

Social Awareness

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Our Social Awareness program is dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning, addressing the personal development of our students, and equipping them with essential interpersonal skills. We provide age-appropriate lessons that explore topics relevant to the students’ growth and development.

Through engaging activities and discussions, students build vital social skills that enable them to interact effectively with peers and adults. Our curriculum promotes self-awareness, helping students recognize their emotions and understand how they impact their behavior. We emphasize self-regulation, encouraging learners to manage their feelings and responses in various situations.

By nurturing these competencies, our Social Awareness program prepares students to navigate their social environments with confidence, empathy, and resilience, laying the groundwork for successful relationships throughout their lives.

Research-Based Pedagogical Approaches

Visible Learning

Following John Hattie’s Visible Learning research and engaging with Corwin in a three-year School Impact process, KAIS has revamped its pedagogical approaches to ensure that they have the highest possible impact on student progress and achievement. KA International School is on its way to becoming the first Visible Learning School in Japan, employing strategies and tools that have been proven to work in the classroom.

Our approach is data-driven, and we engage in a regular process of reflection, evaluation, and feedback to improve performance and allow our students to become independent and assessment-capable learners. At KAIS, we strive to create an environment where mistakes are welcomed and viewed as opportunities for learning, and we believe that our collective teacher efficacy will enhance the learning outcomes of all students.

High quality teaching and learning at KAIS is student-centered and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It is marked by a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It involves the ongoing evaluation of student progress and the use of evidence to inform future instruction. Overall, high quality teaching and learning at KAIS is engaging, meaningful, relevant, and helps students to develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the 21st century world.

Developing a Safe, Caring Learning Environment

A Love and Logic Approach

At KAIS, we focus on creating a safe and caring learning environment where students can thrive. Developing a strong sense of community and a family-like atmosphere allows us to forge meaningful relationships and inspire each other to reach our fullest potential. We do that by using the principles of the Love and Logic system developed by Jim Fay and David Funk.

Love and Logic provides an empowering approach to classroom management and student development. This system is built on the principle of giving students the freedom to make choices and experience the natural consequences of their actions, all within a caring and supportive environment. The balance between empathy and accountability fosters personal responsibility and helps students develop essential life skills, such as self-regulation and problem-solving.

By offering students choices and encouraging thoughtful decision-making, Love and Logic nurtures independence and emotional resilience. Teachers act as compassionate guides, helping students navigate challenges while reinforcing the importance of ownership over their actions. This approach not only supports a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere but also equips students with the tools they need to confidently handle both academic and personal challenges, preparing them for success in and beyond school.