EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUm: K1-k3 classes (Ages 3-6)
At UST, we recognize that every child arrives with their own experiences, interests, and perspectives. They are not blank slates—they are active participants in their own learning.
Our teachers take on the role of guides and collaborators, creating engaging learning environments where children explore, question, and grow together. Through play, interaction, and inquiry, students learn from both their teachers and their peers.
Our Approach to Learning
CORE DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Our teachers take on the role of guides and collaborators, creating engaging learning environments where children explore, question, and grow together. Through play, interaction, and inquiry, students learn from both their teachers and their peers.
Our Approach to Learning
- Child-centered & inquiry-based: Learning is driven by curiosity, exploration, and meaningful experiences
- Balanced instruction: A mix of guided learning, small-group instruction, and independent exploration
- Personalized support: Small groups allow teachers to meet individual needs and build strong relationships
- Collaborative learning: Students regularly work in mixed-ability groups, developing communication and teamwork skills
- Structured routines: Clear, consistent routines help children feel secure and confident in their learning environment
CORE DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Communication and Language
This area involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves, and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Literacy
Children learn to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. This helps children to understand that written symbols carry meaning and to be aware of the purpose of writing. When they are ready, they can use drawn and written symbols by themselves.
Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite their interest. A well-stocked classroom library gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books. Being able to read independently, confidently, and fluently, combined with an enjoyment of reading, is vitally important in becoming a successful learner. At UST, students are read to daily, have opportunities to read independently as their reading skills develop, and are encouraged to read at home every day. Our reading books are leveled using an established book leveling system, which allows the children to read at the appropriate level.
UST follows the Jolly Phonics program for the teaching of phonics in preschool and then transitions to UFLI in Kindergarten. There is daily systematic teaching of phonics and children are carefully assessed to ensure that they are making steady progress. The day is structured in such a way that it allows the children to apply their phonics skills across the curriculum.
Japanese
To allow our young learners to lay a strong English foundation first, our preschool classes have the Japanese program twice a week in the form of a learning circle that incorporates singing, storytelling, and literacy games. In the Kindergarten class, Japanese is taught three times a week, covering emergent reading, writing and calligraphy.
Literacy
Children learn to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. This helps children to understand that written symbols carry meaning and to be aware of the purpose of writing. When they are ready, they can use drawn and written symbols by themselves.
Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite their interest. A well-stocked classroom library gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books. Being able to read independently, confidently, and fluently, combined with an enjoyment of reading, is vitally important in becoming a successful learner. At UST, students are read to daily, have opportunities to read independently as their reading skills develop, and are encouraged to read at home every day. Our reading books are leveled using an established book leveling system, which allows the children to read at the appropriate level.
UST follows the Jolly Phonics program for the teaching of phonics in preschool and then transitions to UFLI in Kindergarten. There is daily systematic teaching of phonics and children are carefully assessed to ensure that they are making steady progress. The day is structured in such a way that it allows the children to apply their phonics skills across the curriculum.
Japanese
To allow our young learners to lay a strong English foundation first, our preschool classes have the Japanese program twice a week in the form of a learning circle that incorporates singing, storytelling, and literacy games. In the Kindergarten class, Japanese is taught three times a week, covering emergent reading, writing and calligraphy.
Social and Emotional Development
At UST, we place equal importance on how students learn and how they relate to others. Through daily interactions, guided support, and a nurturing environment, students develop a strong sense of self and a deep respect for those around them.
Students learn to:
Students learn to:
- Build positive relationships and collaborate with peers
- Express and manage their emotions in healthy ways
- Understand expectations within a group setting
- Develop empathy, kindness, and respect for others
- Build confidence and independence
Physical Development
Physical development is an essential part of a student’s growth, supporting not only health and well-being but also confidence and independence. Through a balance of structured and free movement, students develop coordination, control, and body awareness.
Our program includes:
Our program includes:
- Physical Education (PE) classes that build strength, coordination, and teamwork
- Outdoor play and regular park visits that encourage active exploration
- Field trips that extend movement and learning beyond the classroom
- Fine motor development through arts and crafts, building hand-eye coordination, precision, and early penmanship skills
ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS
Our academic program lays the groundwork for future learning by developing early literacy, numeracy, and inquiry skills through integrated, hands-on experiences. Students are encouraged to think, question, and make connections as they explore the world around them.
Mathematics
Students build a strong foundation in early numeracy through hands-on exploration:
Science & Social Studies
Students begin to understand the world around them through inquiry and exploration:
Visual Arts & Music
Creativity is central to our program and supports both expression and confidence:
Mathematics
Students build a strong foundation in early numeracy through hands-on exploration:
- Number sense, counting, and basic operations
- Patterns, sequencing, and logical thinking
- Shapes, measurement, and spatial awareness
- Early problem-solving skills
Science & Social Studies
Students begin to understand the world around them through inquiry and exploration:
- Learning about people, communities, and the environment
- Observing, questioning, and investigating through hands-on experiences
- Developing an early understanding of how things work, including basic technology
Visual Arts & Music
Creativity is central to our program and supports both expression and confidence:
- Exploring a wide range of materials, tools, and techniques
- Expressing ideas through art, music, movement, and imaginative play
- Building confidence through creative exploration and performance
