Our Philosophy
Rain Trees follows an international topic based curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child using a multi-sensory approach. Our children learn through hands on exploration and play. Our highly qualified teachers ensure that all our children reach developmental milestones through a fun and interactive approach to learning. Group and individual activities are blended to provide a balance of skills and experience for your child.
Our approach is to foster a love of learning, problem solving, experimentation and inquisitiveness to provide a solid foundation for your child’s future. The emphasis is on learning through play in an environment planned to stimulate discovery, independence and social interaction. Children are encouraged to help themselves, take initiative and become increasingly independent in order to develop self-esteem and social competence. It is important that children develop a sense of trust and are comfortable in their environment.
The learning and development of the children is not just confined to the internal setting of the kindergarten but is extended to the large and safe outdoor play area. We view the external environment as another classroom. This allows the children to explore their surroundings and exercise their imagination.
The curriculum used at the school is based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has seven learning areas:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication
- Language and Literacy
- Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Physical Development
- Expressive Arts & Design
Family Focused
At Rain Trees we value the close involvement of parents in school life. We work hard to develop strong relationships with our families and believe communication between home and school is the key to achieving this.
We are a family friendly and informal little school. We welcome parents to come in and chat with teachers and also to get to know not only other parents, but also your child’s peers. Throughout the course of the year, usually at the end of terms one and two, we hold parent–teacher conferences for more formal updates on each child’s progress and general well-being. An extensive written report will be sent home at the end of the year.
There are many well-documented advantages to parents playing an active role in the educational process of their children. So, if parents are able and have the time, we strongly urge them to get involved in any way they can; reading to the children, organising a craft activity, accompanying a class trip, baking for a charity cake sale, or making costumes for a play or concert. There is always plenty going on, so keep an eye on the weekly newsletters for updates. This should be fun and beneficial not only for the children, but also their parents!
There are many well-documented advantages to parents playing an active role in the educational process of their children. So, if parents are able and have the time, we strongly urge them to get involved in any way they can; reading to the children, organising a craft activity, accompanying a class trip, baking for a charity cake sale, or making costumes for a play or concert. There is always plenty going on, so keep an eye on the weekly newsletters for updates. This should be fun and beneficial not only for the children, but also their parents!
| 9.00 – 9.10 | Arrival of Children | Free play at various stations e.g. sand tray, water tray, playdough table, painting, large/small scale construction toys and imaginative play in the home/shop corner. |
|---|---|---|
| 9.10 – 9.20 | Circle time, welcome children and discuss activities of the day | |
| 9.20 – 10.20 | The children work in small groups at adult directed activities | Directed activities will vary according to current Themes but will include maths, pre-reading/writing, science, art and craft and/or cooking. |
| 10.20 – 10.30 | Tidy up time | Children are encouraged to help with the general tidying away of toys and materials. |
| 10.30 – 10.45 | Toilet and Snack. Children use the toilet and wash their hands. | Two children a day will take it in turns to set the tables and serve the snack which offers opportunities for language development, maths and social interaction. Sometimes the children will eat a snack they have prepared earlier. |
| 10.45 – 11.15 | Mandarin/ Activity Circles | Our Mandarin teacher will conduct fun and engaging activities to encourage the children to listen to and converse in Mandarin whilst having fun at play. |
| 11.15 – 11.30 | Outside Play | The children may choose from climbing frames, sand pit, ride-on toys, balls, hoops, stilts and much more. |
| 11.30 – 11.45 | Library Time | Children choose a book to take home. |
| 11.45 – 12.00 | Story / Drama | Story and good-bye song. |