Kindergarten
Kindergarten at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an innovative, collaborative and inquiry-based program that instills a joy and love for life-long learning.
It promotes the development of the whole child in a safe and nurturing learning environment. We believe each day should be filled with laughter, shared stories and learning experiences so their unique talents will emerge and flourish.
Kindergarten Guiding Principles
All children are learners who have potential, curiosity and creativity.
Children interact, imagine, experiment and explore to construct knowledge, learn new skills and practice what they’ve learned. The acquisition of knowledge is best learned through active engagement as they develop and represent their understanding in multiple forms.
Children are connected to their environment.
Learning spaces are thoughtfully created to provide children with intrigue and engagement. They facilitate opportunities for children to make choices, communicate and reflect on their learning.
Outdoor learning is integrated to inspire discovery, learning and appreciation. Their unique rural campus experiences complement their innate talents and interests through playful inquiry and deep exploration.
Learning is personal and social.
Each child’s stage of development is valued and understood. Every child is unique and is offered differentiated ways in which they may develop and express their understanding.
Through play and rich learning experiences, children use language to communicate, investigate, explore, ask questions and interact with others. This allows them to construct their own meaning and understanding of their world.
Kindergarten is a community.
Children, teachers and parents are partners in learning within a safe and nurturing environment where they are encouraged to challenge their thinking by exploring new ideas.
Multiple teachers work closely with the children to enhance community and bring diversity to their experience. Collaboration allows adults and children to interact and grow together.
Kindergarten and the International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Primary Years Programme provides a framework for our teachers to deliver the Alberta Program of Studies through an inquiry-based approach that allows children to discover their world and make meaningful connections.
At STS, we believe in a balanced approach to teaching and learning that strives to develop the whole child. Students engage in experiences which develop their interest, attitudes and skills in the following areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Citizenship and Identity, Environment and Community Awareness, Personal and Social Responsibility, Physical Skill and Well-Being, Creative Expression.
Through well-designed learning experiences and a commitment to the IB Learner Profile, we strive to create internationally-minded individuals who are: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Courageous, Balanced, and Reflective.