At Small World Christian Kindergarten, learning is a joyful, motivating, fun and engaging exploration that opens up a world of wonder for young children where their curiosity and personal interests can flourish. With developmentally appropriate, teacher-scaffolded and child-initiated experiences, each child may develop their knowledge and skills at their own pace, leading to an increasing understanding of themselves, others, God and his creation.

We aim to develop the whole child, using Christ’s development, as summarised in Luke 2:52, as our model: He grew “in wisdom (academically), in stature (physically), in favour with God (spiritually), and in favour with man (socially).”

Play is essential at Small World! We define play as a creative and enjoyable process which takes many forms; it is often free from externally-imposed goals, but can also be purposeful, guided and scaffolded.

Our research-based and proven Early Mandarin programme centres on the Storybook Approach, developed in collaboration with the Education University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong. Our Mandarin programme aims to enhance children’s motivation to learn Mandarin, as well as to develop an increasing understanding of Chinese Culture. We believe that the key to sustainable language acquisition is a meaningful language immersion programme in the early years. The Storybook Approach gives children a stimulating way to learn a new language as they engage in story-listening, multi-modal texts, meaningful play, creating, and developing positive relationships with the Mandarin teachers.

Our Mandarin teachers are qualified early childhood educators with Master’s degrees in Language Studies. They build supportive and nurturing relationships with the children, which motivates children’s willingness to communicate in Mandarin. We provide a print-rich environment using traditional characters, which is relevant and meaningful to children’s daily life experience in Hong Kong.