As spring approaches, we would like to take a moment to share with you about our SUIS Qingpu “Big Hands Holding Small Hands” event, where our primary school and kindergarten conducted joint educational research and discussions to plan for the 1+N connection activities. In these activities, primary school students participated in community service and recruited student volunteers.
FIRST STEP: CONNECTION HAS ITS OWN PACE
The parents of the kindergarten’s senior class, led by their children’s teachers, visited the primary school Theater for an opportunity to share their questions and expectations for the upcoming year. SUIS Qingpu’s Assistant Principal, Ms. Helen Liu Guixiang, introduced the school’s principle of ‘Chinese Roots, Global Wings’ and explained that the school has always been committed to providing students with high-quality resources and services. She noted that parents have been continuously inspired by the comprehensive development each student receives at the school and the improvements that they show over time.
“What is the connection between kindergarten and primary school?” “Do the children need to learn certain subject knowledge before entering first grade?” “If the children are used to playing every day in the kindergarten, how will they keep up in the primary school?” Ms. Gao, Assistant Head of the Primary School in charge of the transition between kindergarten and primary school, and Ms. Zhang, the Grade 1 Coordinator, together addressed parents’ concerns about curriculum preparation and learning habits. They emphasized the importance of game-based and life-based curriculum in kindergarten to promote young learners’ physical and mental development. They explained that our primary school is committed to a gradual adaptation process, and views childhood as the foundation for children’s personal growth more than a foundation for specific skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. SUIS Qingpu has always supported a series of naturally connected courses in the transition from kindergarten to primary school.
SECOND STEP: Q&A SESSION WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
“What classes does the primary school offer?” “Is the library in the primary school large?” “Do primary school students need to take a nap?” “Is the lunch in primary school delicious?” “Will I be separated from my good friends when I go to the primary school?” To help address questions from the incoming class, the primary school selected outstanding primary school students to visit the senior kindergarten classrooms through the Little Volunteer Recruitment Program. The interaction between the primary and kindergarten students was friendly and lively. Interesting stories and experiences were shared by all. The kindergarten students listened attentively and looked at their big brothers and sisters with admiration and curiosity. The remarkable character of the primary school volunteers was showcased, as was the kindergarten children’s interest in primary school life. The kindergarten children were amazed by the rich and colourful stories from primary school students and were filled with anticipation for their own futures in primary school.
THIRD STEP: HAND IN HAND, EXPLORING THE CAMPUS
“I heard that the primary school is so beautiful, with many different types of classrooms. I really want to visit it!” In order to help the kindergarten students fully experience primary school life, the school launched the Campus Promotion Ambassador Program. Over 200 students signed up, and their enthusiasm for the campus shone brightly during their interviews. They were eager to familiarize themselves with every corner of the campus and all the routes around it. The primary school ambassadors presented the wonders of the campus to the kindergarteners in a lively yet gentle manner, patiently answering questions and providing some useful tips to catch the kindergarten students’ attention. The kindergarten students in turn expressed their determination to study hard in primary school and to strive to be as outstanding as their big brothers and sisters.
The kindergarten children learned about many different facets of primary school life in a very natural way, and their excitement about the future in primary school was clear. The program was mutually beneficial to the kindergarten and primary school students as they empowered each other to learn and grow.