CIS Vision: Empowering Our Early Years Team

“This learning opportunity allowed me to delve into the intricate world of creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for children from diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and expert-led sessions, I gained valuable insights into adapting my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child. Learning about the importance of cultural sensitivity, differentiated instruction, and the power of collaborative learning has not only enhanced my teaching skills but also deepened my passion for ensuring that every child in my classroom at CIS feels valued and has an equal opportunity to thrive. This professional development experience has positively impacted my teaching practices and my ability to make a difference in the lives of the young learners I have the privilege to educate at CIS.”

————Ms. Gigi

"The ACAMIS Early Years Conference left me with a renewed sense of purpose in my teaching practice. While I had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops, two particular sessions stood out to me. The first was on documenting and observing children's learning. The emphasis on making learning visible through documentation resonated deeply with me. It highlighted the importance of not only recognizing children's progress but also sharing it effectively with parents and colleagues. This approach has already helped me create a more holistic understanding of my students' development at CIS, enabling me to tailor my teaching to their individual needs. The second session on co-designing a flexible curriculum in response to children's interests was equally enlightening. It underscored the significance of actively involving children in shaping their learning experiences, fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for their education. This approach has already sparked a greater sense of engagement and curiosity in my classroom. I am so excited to engage my students more actively in curriculum planning, allowing their interests and curiosities to guide our educational journey."

——Ms. Erin

“As educators at CIS, one of the most rewarding aspects of attending this conference was the ability to share the valuable contributions we gained with our fellow educators . We have the privilege to inspire and motivate our colleagues by conveying the energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration we experienced firsthand. Through sharing stories, anecdotes, and powerful moments that have deeply impacted us, we ignite a sense of purpose and passion in our colleagues, reminding them of the profound importance of their roles as early-year educators and the remarkable impact they have on shaping the lives of young children. Together, through our collective dedication and the knowledge we bring back from these conferences, we can create a positive and transformative impact on early childhood education. Let us continue to inspire, support, and empower one another as we strive to provide our young learners with the best possible educational experiences.”

——Ms. Rhegene

“I took the opportunity to learn all about the benefits of integrating Loose Parts into the classroom, as well as phonics play and sensory storytelling. The presenter shared their insights on how these learning tools and ideology can effectively support our students' development, all whilst keeping them interested and involved in the learning process. Loose Parts also play a significant role in stimulating creativity, problem-solving skills, and fostering open-ended exploration in children. By allowing children to unleash and test their own theories, they are empowered to take charge of their own learning experiences. Most importantly, it enhances the learning of young children, giving them both a choice and voice. Loose parts are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various subjects throughout the curriculum. Through phonics play, teachers can incorporate parts like letter tiles, so that children can manipulate these to build words and reinforce letter-sound relationships. With sensory storytelling, a variety of small objects can be used, like figures, textured fabrics or natural materials, to represent elements of a story. Young learners are able to engage with these objects while listening to or retelling a story, which enhances their own comprehension. I can’t wait to use using these amazing techniques with our students at CIS!”

——Ms.Hung