Early Learning Afternoon Programme - Carmel School Association

Our Early Learning Afternoon Programme is an unaccompanied programme designed for toddlers from 12 months and up. Emphasizing English whilst providing Mandarin exposure, it offers a supportive and nurturing environment that focuses on building essential skills, fostering emotional security, and instilling confidence while also guiding young ones in forming positive and lasting relationships.

Our Early Years Afternoon Programme is tailor-made for the developmental journey of toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. Our unaccompanied programme stands out for its dynamic blend of structured learning and free play, scheduled to enrich the afternoons of our youngest learners.

Our curriculum is crafted to engage young minds during their early development phase, nurturing both academic readiness and socio-emotional development. At the core of our programme is an emphasis on linguistic enrichment, where English fluency is nurtured alongside Mandarin exposure, setting the foundation for versatile communication skills. Throughout, our programme offers immersive experiences that introduce children to different perspectives, encouraging openness and curiosity about the world.

Characterized by our unique scheduling, the programme is designed to complement the natural rhythms of a toddler’s day. It offers a thoughtful balance of activities that stimulate growth and rest, ensuring children remain engaged, happy, and energized throughout their time with us.

Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about creating moments of joy and wonder, fostering a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels like a cherished member of the Carmel family.

Our Learning Philosophy

Our commitment is to create a nurturing space where each child feels valued, promoting independence, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world. Through an integrated approach, we aim to shape confident learners who are prepared to express themselves and interact respectfully and empathetically with peers.

We believe in fueling the imagination through structured, imaginative play combined with hands-on activities that engage all five senses because we understand that toddlers thrive in environments that not only stimulate curiosity and exploration, but also cater to their sensory development.

Programme Highlights

Comprehensive and Engaging Curriculum: Our programme blends a tailored curriculum centred around sensory and exploratory learning, ensuring that every child's developmental needs and curiosities are met. Through customized activities that include messy play, fine motor skill development, and immersive sensory experiences, we offer a dynamic environment where children can thrive, learn, and grow using all five senses.
Bilingual Exposure: We place an emphasis on language development in English and Mandarin. Interactive storytelling, role-playing, and language games develop communication abilities and broaden linguistic landscapes and cultural awareness.
Whole-Student Approach: Embracing each child's individuality, we celebrate their unique strengths and potential. Our holistic program encourages discovery, creativity, and improvisation, enabling children to express themselves freely while learning respect and empathy for others.
Emphasis on Emotional and Social Growth: Central to our philosophy is the nurturing of emotional intelligence and social skills. Activities are designed to develop empathy, teamwork, and respect, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports every child's social and emotional well-being.
Stepping Stone to the IB: Our Afternoon Early Learning Programme is an environment for young children to gain independence and confidence and begin to develop social, emotional, and learning skills. Our play-based learning environment encourages children to inquire and explore independently the learning materials, complementing the IB framework and form a solid basis for future learning. Pupils are guided through learning processes and we encourage autonomous agency by allowing for a child's voice and choices to be reflected within the classroom

Walkers (12-24 months)

The Walkers Class is where we embark on an exciting journey of growth and discovery with toddlers aged 12-24 months. Within our caring and stimulating environment, your little one will not only discover the joy of learning but also build confidence and form meaningful friendships.

In this pivotal stage, our programme focuses on nurturing the first steps toward independence through a vibrant blend of play-based learning. Key to our curriculum are sensory experiences and fine motor skill activities designed to ignite curiosity and enhance physical coordination. We introduce foundational language skills in both English and Mandarin, enriching your child's early communication abilities. Our approach also weaves in social skills and emotional development, supported by interactive play and creative storytelling.

Class Schedule

1:15 School starts
1:30 Welcome songs and Circle Time
2:00 Activity Time - Crafts/ Sensory Play/ Fine Motor Development/ Play time
2:30 Mandarin
3:00 Snack
3:30 Outside play
4:00 Songs and Story Time
4:15 Class dismissal

Hoppers (2-3 years old, Pre-Nursery)

The Hoppers Class is for 2-3 year old children, preparing them for a smooth transition into Carmel's Nursery class, which prepares children for the IB PYP. Here, children gain the confidence and independence needed for the next stage of their academic and personal development journey.

This year is crucial for deepening sensory exploration, advancing fine motor skills, and enriching language acquisition with more structured problem-solving and collaborative projects. We build upon early language foundations in English and Mandarin, introducing interactive storytelling, role-playing, and language games to expand vocabulary and enhance conversational skills. Our play-based learning approach is crafted to foster independence, spark curiosity, and provide a deeper understanding of the world. Emphasizing social and emotional growth, we cultivate empathy, teamwork, and respect, creating a nurturing environment where children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. In the Hoppers Class, we channel natural curiosity into a love for learning, setting a strong foundation for future success.

Class Schedule

1:15 School starts
1:30 Welcome songs and Circle Time
2:00 Activity Time - Crafts/ Sensory Play/ Fine Motor Development/ Play time
2:30 Snack
3:00 Mandarin
3:30 Outside play
4:00 Songs and Story Time
4:15 Class dismissal

Afternoon Programme

Children learn to socialise and interact with one another through play and group work. Team collaboration and being kind towards each other are all fostered from this young age.