Learning through Play: The IEYC at Holland International School

Blog | Holland International School | 15 October 2024 | Written by Jolinda Groothedde

At Holland International School, we believe in nurturing happy, confident, and competent learners who are inspired to become their best selves in a world that's constantly evolving. Education is more than memorising facts — it's about creating meaningful experiences, especially for our youngest learners aged 2-5+ years. This is where the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) comes in, guiding their learning through playful, thematic ieyc units. 

In this blog, we will further explore the IEYC at Holland International School covering its foundations as a preschool curriculum framework for early years, the importance of learning through play, how we support your child’s development, and how you can be more involved as a parent.

 
The IEYC: A curriculum for playful learning in early years education

The IEYC is a contemporary, progressive and evolving research-informed Early Years curriculum, recognising international best practice and the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. It encompasses all domains of learning relevant to the Early Years and emphasises holistic learning and playful approaches. 

Central to the IEYC is the belief in, and commitment to, the holistic development of each child through enjoyable and playful personal, international and academic learning experiences that prepare them for opportunities and challenges now and in the future. (Fieldwork Education, 2021)

Playful Learning Experiences

The IEYC focuses on three types of playful learning, addressing the key domains of learning during Early Years through IEYC units of learning. In each unit, learning experiences are always offered in such a way that they are: 

  • Social: Children engage in play alone and with others.

  • Meaningful: Children explore thematic learning, their own interests, and new ideas.

  • Naturally unfolding: These experiences nurture and stretch children's creativity and capabilities as they express what they've learned.

  • Persistent: Opportunities are provided to extend learning across different environments and experiences.

  • Contributing to learning pathways: Children explore, express, and extend their knowledge and development, building upon previous experiences.

This approach allows children to progress with increasing complexity in areas like communication, movement, and thinking - laying a strong foundation for future learning and development.

Why play is a key factor in our education? 

Children naturally learn through play. They are curious by nature and have an innate desire to explore and understand the world around them. The IEYC taps into this curiosity, allowing children to take the lead in their learning. 

Play-based activities within the curriculum are designed to be engaging and relevant to each child's interests, helping them develop important skills while having fun.

Learning with IEYC: How We Support Your Child’s Development

The IEYC focuses on creating environments where children feel empowered to learn and grow. In the classroom, teachers use what we call "Reflective Practices" to observe and understand each child's unique interests and needs. These practices help teachers:

  • Capture: Observe what children are doing and what sparks their curiosity

  • Interpret: Identify significant learning moments and understand how to build on them

  • Respond: Create opportunities that encourage children to further explore and develop their skills

This process ensures that every day, teachers are ready to support and extend your child’s learning in both planned activities and spontaneous moments of discovery.

In this way, the curriculum is not something that teachers "deliver" to children. Instead, it’s a shared experience. Teachers, children, and parents work together, allowing children to shape their own learning experiences.

The Importance of Parent Involvement: How you can make a difference

We understand that a child might show different abilities at school compared to home. That’s why we value the input from parents. By working together, we can create a complete picture of a child’s development. Parent-Teacher Meetings but also more casual conversations with parents help us understand a child's abilities from a parent’s perspective - enriching our knowledge and ensuring that we’re providing the best learning experiences possible.

At HIS, our goal is to create a joyful, nurturing environment where every child feels supported in becoming a confident and capable learner. Through the IEYC’s play-based approach, the child is at the centre of their learning journey, and we’re here to guide them every step of the way.

 

For more information about our curriculum and program, schedule a visit with us here.

 

 

About Holland International School 

With over 100 years of experience, Holland International School offers excellent education for children aged 1.5 to 12 years old. Inspired by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), we offer both a Dutch and English Stream to ensure children can look forward to a rich and engaging learning environment. Our holistic approach to learning empowers children to become the best versions of themselves through ownership, collaboration and critical thinking. Small by design, we make sure that each child is given a voice and receives the individual support it needs. Ultimately, our highly engaged and competent staff is committed to fostering learners that are happy, confident, and competent - ready to succeed in life.

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+65 6466 0662

65 Bukit Tinggi Road, 289757 Singapore

www.hollandinternationalschool.sg