Early Years

Early Years School

Early Years at HIS Niseko

Hokkaido International School Early Years is a multi-age program designed for our youngest learners between the ages of 3 and 5 years. Here at HIS, we believe children learn by using all of their senses, through observing, questioning, problem solving, trial & error, exploring and interacting with materials and people around them. Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach,  where we value the hundred languages of children, heeding children’s voices and interests as they lay the foundation of their inquiry topics and co-constructive learning.

Keeping in mind of the importance of children’s development milestones, we adopt The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as a guideline to meet children’s seven areas of development, which includes Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Literacy, Numeracy, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design. 

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach? Reggio Emilia is an approach to early childhood education that grew out of Reggio Emilia Italy where the child is viewed as capable, strong, resilient and full of wonder.  The Reggio Emilia Approach views the children as capable of 

  • constructing their own learning. 
  • forming understandings of themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others.
  • using 100 Languages to express themselves including painting, drawing, dancing, and pretend play.

Teachers using the Reggio Emilia Approach provide provocations to create an environment which supports the children in their drive to learn. What is a provocation? A provocation provokes and expands thoughts, discussions, questions and interests. 

Our Early Years program is taught by Emily Atkinson and Shinta Dewi.