Nagoya International School

ELC Program

Preparing Young Minds

The ELC (Early Learning Center) program at NIS seeks to develop in each child a sound base of experiences, a strong sense of self-esteem, and an excitement and curiosity for learning. Believing that children in the early education stages develop meaning through concrete encounters and experiences, the school promotes an instructional program that encourages and provides for active exploration of the child's environment and allows for guided discovery through structured and unstructured play. Academic skills are taught in both large and small group lessons; as much as possible, instruction accommodates individual developmental needs, abilities and interests. Cumulative portfolios of the child's work, teacher observations, and periodic parent conferences are the means by which progress and development are assessed.

Through a sound and balanced program of experiences, ELC students are introduced to the skills necessary to successfully cooperate and socialize with other children in both structured and unstructured settings. A full-day program, the ELC is a combined class for three and four-year olds taught by two full-time teachers. Sunny, cheerful classrooms are filled with colorful student work and stimulating learning materials. A playground specifically for them ensures that the students have ample opportunity to play and explore outside in the fresh air.

Caring and ever watchful, the teachers encourage active parental involvement in the field trips, excursions, and class activities. Besides the annual Potato Dig field trip, students enjoy a mixture of seasonal activities and events to mark a variety of cultural celebrations. These and other day-trips and walks around the surrounding neighborhood help incorporate skills learned in the classroom and are seen as a time for enrichment and celebrations. From this initial safe and nurturing school experience, ELC students gain self-confidence and a sense of connectedness to their teachers, their classmates, and the NIS school community.

RELATED LINKS:  
ELC Program  |  ELC Profile  |  ELC Curriculum  |  ELC Schedule   |  ELC Facilities  |  ELC Admissions
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