Nurturing Young Minds: Horizon’s Approach to Early Childhood Education
- David Lundin
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
At Horizon Japan International School, we believe that every child is a unique and capable learner. Guided by our mission to cultivate lifelong learners, our Early Years Programme (EYP) lays the foundation for a future of inquiry, creativity, and global citizenship. In these formative years, we don’t just teach, we inspire discovery, encourage curiosity, and foster a deep sense of community within a safe, nurturing environment.
Childhood Education Strategies
Learning Through Play and Inquiry
Our youngest Hawks are naturally curious and we embrace that. Using a play-based, inquiry-driven approach rooted in the IB Early Years Programme, we encourage children to explore, question, and engage with their environment. Whether they’re building with blocks or role-playing with peers, students are developing critical thinking skills and laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Actionable Tip: At home, create opportunities for free play. Offer sensory materials, open-ended toys, and art supplies that encourage children to imagine, create, and explore.
Language as a Bridge to the World
Language development is central to success both in and beyond the classroom. At HJIS, we nurture effective communication by embedding storytelling, song, and conversation into daily routines. We also celebrate linguistic diversity and support children as they grow in both English and their mother tongue.
Insight: Research shows that children who are regularly read to in early years develop a richer vocabulary and stronger comprehension. Daily reading, at school and at home, is a key part of our EYP culture.
Statistics: Studies indicate that children who are read to regularly have a richer vocabulary and better comprehension skills than those who are not.
Social-Emotional Learning: Building Community From the Start
Emotional literacy is as important as academic readiness. Our Early Years educators guide students in building empathy, resilience, and self-awareness through structured social-emotional learning. Group activities, circle time, and peer collaboration help children navigate relationships and express their feelings confidently.
Actionable Tip: Encourage your child to describe how they feel and why. This builds emotional vocabulary and strengthens the connection between home and school.
Curiosity That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
HJIS students are encouraged to ask, “Why?” and “What if?” Whether it's during nature walks, science explorations, or art provocations, we nurture their sense of wonder. Our classrooms are designed to reflect the world around us—colorful, inspiring, and full of hands-on learning opportunities.
Try This at Home: Set up a “discovery corner” with found objects like shells, leaves, or rocks. Invite your child to share what they see, feel, and wonder.
Educators Who Guide With Heart and Expertise
Our team of skilled educators knows that learning begins with connection. At Horizon, small teaching groups allow us to meet the individual needs of each child. Teachers act as facilitators, observers, and nurturers, helping students find meaning in their experiences while developing confidence and independence.
Example: Nature walks are a splendid way to stimulate curiosity. Taking children outside to observe plants, animals, and the environment encourages them to ask questions and explore.
Horizon’s Philosophy in Action
At Horizon Japan International School, we don’t simply teach early education—we live it. Every moment in the EYP is intentionally crafted to reflect our core values: Community, Respect, and Understanding. We believe that young children thrive in a setting that celebrates their individuality while preparing them to be compassionate, creative global citizens.
From the first day they enter our classrooms, our students are part of something bigger: a vibrant, multicultural school in the heart of Yokohama that is proud to be “A Community of Lifelong Learners.”
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