Category: Teachers Corner

By Teacher ChantalOne of the most powerful gifts we can offer young children is the opportunity tobecome independent learners and thinkers. In early childhood education, fosteringindependence is not simply about teaching children to do things on their own, it isabout laying the foundation for lifelong skills such as confidence, decision-making,resilience and self-regulation.Independence in early childhood is built through routine tasks such as tyingshoelaces, pouring water, making choices or problem solving with other children.What may seem like small tasks are in fact powerful learning experiences for youngchildren. When children are given the chance to try, make mistakes and try again,they begin to understand their own capabilities. Through this, children gain self-confidence and a natural curiosity that supports lifelong learning.Children who are provided with the opportunity to make choices and takeresponsibility for their actions learn accountability and decision-making from a youngage. This independence fosters a sense of ownership over their learning andbehavior, making them more engaged and responsible students in the classroomand beyond.Encouraging independence also supports emotional development. When childrennavigate challenges on their own, they develop resilience and adaptability which aretraits that are essential in our ever-changing world.As teachers, our role is to create environments that empower children to takeinitiative while offering the right balance of support and challenge. This includesproviding clear routines, accessible materials and opportunities for choice. It alsomeans stepping back when appropriate, allowing children to solve problemsindependently before offering assistance.Fostering independence isn’t about children growing up too quickly. It is aboutmeeting them where they are and providing them with opportunities to discover whatthey can do. When we provide space for children to try, make mistakes and tryagain, we help them see their own strengths which builds confidence, nurturesimportant life skills, and prepares them not only for school, but for life beyond it.

Confidence and self-help skills are two of the most important thingschildren develop during their kindergarten years. At this age, children arelearning not only letters and numbers but also how to take care of themselvesand feel proud of their abilities. Confidence grows when children feel safe,supported, and encouraged. A confident child is willing to try new things, speakup in class and keep going even when something is difficult. Parents andteachers can help by giving positive praise, celebrating small successes andshowing patience when mistakes happen. For example, if your child tries to zipup their jacket and struggles, instead of jumping in right away, you might say,“You’re doing a great job trying. Let’s see if you can get it.” This gives themthe courage to keep practicing.Self-help skills are the everyday tasks that make children more independent.These include getting dressed, washing hands, putting away toys and managingtheir school supplies. These tasks may seem small to adults but to children, theyare big steps toward independence. When children learn to do things bythemselves, they feel proud and capable.Confidence and self-help go hand in hand. Each time a child successfullycompletes a task—whether tying shoelaces or carrying their school bag—theygain confidence. The more confident they feel, the more willing they are to trynew challenges. This cycle builds independence and a strong sense of self-worth.Parents can support this growth at home by allowing children to practice dailyroutines, offering encouragement and showing patience. Progress takes time, bygiving children opportunities to try, we help them believe in themselves andbecome more independent learners.

Kindergarten is an exciting stage where children begin to explore the world moreindependently. As parents and teachers, one of the greatest gifts we can give them is anenvironment that encourages them to do things for themselves, make choices, and feelconfident in their abilities. Independence isn’t just about “doing it alone” — it’s aboutbuilding skills, responsibility and self-belief that will last a lifetime. It’s also important to let children try and learn from mistakes. If their tower of blocks fallsover or they spill water while pouring, it’s part of the learning process. Resist the urge toimmediately “fix” things — instead, offer gentle encouragement: “That didn’t work out, whatcould we try next?” This builds problem-solving skills and resilience. At the heart of supporting independence is trust. When we show children that we believe theycan try, even if it’s tricky, they start to believe it too. Whether it’s zipping a jacket, sharingtheir ideas, or solving a puzzle, every success — big or small — boosts their confidence. By creating a supportive environment, both at school and at home, we can help ourkindergarten children grow into confident, capable, and independent learners who are readyfor every new challenge ahead.

The first week at school, whether it is starting school the first time, or returning after the long summer break can be a big adjustment for both children and parents. This is a time of  new routines,  new social interactions, and new  learning experiences. It can also be a period of emotional adjustment for both the child and the parent, particularly if it is the first school experience, with potential anxieties about separation and adjusting to a new environment.  Whether your child is coming to school for the first time, or returning to school you can expect there will be some big emotions, as your child adjusts to the new school year. Here are some practical tips to make the start of the new school year a positive experience for your child and you! Starting a new school year is an exciting time for everyone, parents, students and teachers. At Kidz Village, our teaching team puts a lot of planning and heart into getting the school year off to a great start so rest assured that your child is entering a welcoming environment!

By: Teacher Ravisara As the flowers begin to bloom and the days grow warmer, spring naturally brings a sense of wonder and excitement—especially for young children. In kindergarten, we embrace this seasonal shift as a rich opportunity to explore, observe, and connect with the world around us. Through nature-based learning and hands-on discovery, spring becomes a powerful tool to ignite curiosity in our classroom. Exploring the Magic of Growth One of the most exciting themes we explore in spring is planting and growth. Watching a seed turn into a sprout is nothing short of magical for young minds. Through planting activities—whether it’s sunflower seeds in a pot or herbs in our garden—children begin to understand concepts like patience, responsibility, and the basic needs of living things. They also practice fine motor skills as they dig, water, and observe their plants daily. Learning About Life Cycles Spring also brings a chance to learn about life cycles, from caterpillars turning into butterflies to chicks hatching from eggs. These topics help children develop early science skills like sequencing and observation, while also sparking meaningful conversations about change and growth. Through books, songs, crafts, and storytelling, we introduce the concept of transformation in a way that is simple, age-appropriate, and deeply engaging. Observing Weather Wonders Rainy days, puddles, and sunshine—spring weather is full of surprises! This season offers a great opportunity to observe and talk about daily weather changes. Children learn new vocabulary like “drizzle,” “cloudy,” or “breezy” and start to connect weather patterns with how they dress or what activities they can do. We often encourage students to share what they notice on the way to school, bringing the learning beyond the classroom walls. Curiosity in Every Corner Whether it’s finding a worm in the soil or noticing flowers of different colors, spring invites questions—and lots of them! “Why do flowers grow toward the sun?” “Where does rain come from?” As teachers, we use these questions to guide learning, foster critical thinking, and support children in becoming curious explorers of their environment. Try it at Home:Want to bring spring learning home? Here are a few simple ideas: This season reminds us that learning is all around us, blooming in big and small ways every day. Let’s continue to nurture that spark of curiosity in our little learners—both in school and at home. Happy Spring! 

Gross motor development refers to the progression of physical skills that involve large muscle groups and whole-body movements. These skills allow children to perform tasks like walking, running, jumping, and balancing. Gross motor skills are essential for everyday activities and play, and they help build strength, coordination, and control over one’s body. Here are the key stages of gross motor development in young children: Infancy (0-12 months): Toddler (1-3 years): Preschool (3-5 years): School Age (6-12 years): Factors that Influence Gross Motor Development: Fostering gross motor development is key for overall health and well-being, so it’s important to encourage children to be active through play and physical activities that help them build strength, coordination, and confidence in their movements.

During the early years, children are discovering new ways to use their bodies. They also begin to understand that movement can express messages and represent actions. As they develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of music and dance, they gain a source of joy that will enrich their lives. Both music and movement support a child’s growth in numerous ways. Below are some of the skills that music and movement can help foster: Music and movement are more than just enjoyable activities; they are valuable tools for fostering a variety of skills in young children. By integrating music and movement into young children’s daily routine, it offers opportunities for children to develop cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative skills.

By Teacher Chantal Reading to young children is more than just a bedtime ritual, it is a powerful tool for their development. From building language skills to strengthening emotional bonds, the benefits of reading go far beyond the pages of a book. Children can be introduced to new ideas, emotions and perspectives, helping them develop empathy and emotional awareness. Storytime nurtures a child’s imagination and strengthens the bond between children and caregivers. Reading with young children can help to create a love of reading for life. The advantages of reading to young children: Reading with young children is a wonderful way to nurture their development and create lasting memories. It helps build vocabulary, sparks imagination, and fosters a love for learning. By making reading a regular part of a child’s routine, parents and caregivers can inspire a lifelong love of learning and open up a world of possibilities for young children.

What are big life changes? Young children thrive from routine and consistency – knowing what to expect helps them feel safe and confident. However life can bring big and sometimes difficult changes. Things like moving to a new town or city, the death of a loved one, divorce or separation of caregivers, changing schools, or welcoming a new baby to the family, can all be considered big life changes and can be very stressful for children. This can all be compounded because their major life changes are often pretty major for the adults in their lives too and may leave caregivers unsure of how to best help their family get  through them. How can you support your child through big changes? Your child will be looking to you for cues about how to respond to the situation, and if  they see you panicking, they will believe the situation is scary. Though it may be challenging, it is important that you find ways to process your own feelings. It’s absolutely fine to let your child know how you feel, but you also need to show them how you’re managing those emotions.  Sometimes big life changes happen without warning, but  if you do have the chance to prepare your child beforehand, it’s important that you do. Let them know ahead of time what will happen and help them understand what to expect. Even adults can find the unknown scary, so if possible help to reduce your child’s  anxiety by sharing information about what is going to happen before it happens. Your child may be angry, or sad or frustrated -or more likely experiencing a range of emotions all together. While it may be tempting to tell your child not to worry, or to try to distract them from the negative emotions, this may in fact make them feel worse. When children feel like we understand their big emotions, they feel validated and are better able to process them. When big changes occur, keeping the usual routine as much as possible can be very reassuring. If possible keep the basics such as bedtime routine and meal times the same. Structure helps children feel safe so provide as much as possible. Let your child know that no matter what else changes you are still there and your relationship with them is important. Let your child know that you are there for them to play with, talk to or just to be together. Big changes can make a child feel like they have no control over their life. Allowing them to make choices and be involved in dealing with the change can give them some sense of agency.  Big changes can bring on big emotions and challenging behaviour can be expected. This will be a time where a little more patience and understanding is needed. Definitely maintain rules and boundaries but anticipate some meltdowns and remind yourself of what your child is going through. Here are some book recommendations  you can read with your child about big changes:  Jule’s Move to a New House and New School by Lynn Louise Wonders  The New Baby  by Mercer Mayer Miss Piper’s Playroom: Helping Lily With Her Loss by Lynn Louise Wonders Why Do Families Change?: Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce by Dr. Jillian Roberts Keeping It Cool: Skills for Coping with Change by Dr Melissa Munro Boyd

Although having your child enrolled in a high quality kindergarten or school setting is best recommended to support your child’s academic growth and social development there may be times when your child is not able to attend school. This may be due to school closure, illness, or other unavoidable circumstances. During the period your child is not able to attend school it is important to keep the routine as consistent as possible,and to try to keep up with their learning and curriculum goals as much as possible. Even if you have never had to “teach at home” there are some simple guidelines that help you to keep your child learning while they are away from school. 1. Set Clear Learning Goals 2. Create a Structured Routine 3. Use Active Learning Strategies 4. Foster Independent Learning 5. Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback 6. Make Learning Fun 7. Encourage Socialization 8. Additional Tips: