In the field of mathematics, the student has the ability to understand and present information with pictographs and labels. Students can read and create live graphics using real objects and people. Very young children see the world as a place of possibilities. The teacher helps them connect by giving realistic examples and using appropriate vocabulary. In this way, the child defines, compares and explains the properties of real objects (as in: longer, shorter, heavier, empty, full, warmer, and colder). They will develop observation skills using their senses to describe direction and location, and have the ability to predict and discuss simple ideas using these. They exhibit respect and responsibility and learn about cause and effect. At the same time, students have the ability to express ideas using their own experience and words. They are able to interact with friends and adults in social environments, express what they see with their own vocabulary, use their body movements and words suitably.
In the field of social studies, students nurture their ability to learn about people and their lives by focusing on themselves, their friends, families and immediate surroundings. They gain the skill of applying rules and routines to jobs and games. They will increase their awareness of themselves in connection with the various groups they belong to and will become aware of the systems that organise them. They will gain a sense of space and they start to grasp why certain spaces are important to people. The sense of time also develops in relation to themselves and others and they recognise important events in people’s lives. They start to discover the role of technology in the world.
In the field of art, they can respond to art works in different ways. They are beginning to be knowledgeable about means of communication and expression at this stage in their mental growth. They can describe ideas and emotions conveyed through body movements. They can understand why certain physical positions and movements indicate specific ideas and feelings. They develop appropriate responses, such as monitoring, listening and reacting to parts of musical performances and can show attitude. They are able to talk about their ideas and feelings in response to drama as well. They can use the voice to simulate others’ voices and learn songs. They can describe differences between types of music and distinguish between the sounds of various instruments. They may also express their thoughts about paintings.
In the field of social, personal and physical education, students have the ability to describe how they have grown and changed and are able to demonstrate similarities with and differences to others. They can express their feelings and explain their reasons. When they exercise, they can explain the changes in their body movements in their own sentences. They may notice the importance of listening to others too and of turn-taking in conversation as well. They consider how their beliefs, feelings and attitudes affect others’ behaviour. They might also question the positive and negative results of others’ actions with their friends. They can also reflect on the reasons for that behaviour.
Our Kindergarten Education Program
Our program, inspired by many contemporary educational approaches, is a model that emphasizes meaning and research and supports all areas that are equally important for the development of the child. Each student has different learning styles and interests that Biltes is trying to develop; thus, it gives self-confidence and success. The PYP Kindergarten program supports children by learning and deciding on choices, predictions and logical and creative decisions, and encourages curiosity instead of finding predetermined answers.
Children participate in this learning process by experiencing and experimenting. According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, it is the process of producing intelligence, problem solving, creative solutions, approaches and initiatives and it can also collect useful materials. For this reason, the program offers various opportunities for children to develop their individual approach to education. By combining them with educational technology, learning becomes more attractive and easier, so that Biltes takes the first step towards the upbringing of lifelong learners.
In our kindergarten program, English achievement is at the top of our priorities. This is usually a spontaneous process in young children, but this does not mean that we do not need rich educational materials to support it or to close the personal interaction between students and teachers. They form the basis for making happy individuals who believe in themselves, have values and approach the planet with respect.