Early childhood, the bumi kecil way

Kindergarten & Pre-Primary

At Bumi Kecil, we believe early childhood should feel joyful, meaningful, and deeply connected to the world around us.

Our Kindergarten and Pre-Primary programme welcomes children aged 3-6 years into a calm, nurturing environment where learning grows naturally through play, creativity, relationships, and everyday experiences.

With small mixed-age groups and caring educators, we create a space where children feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to come to school each day.

OUR APPROACH

Inspired by Reggio Emilia

A gentle, child-centred approach where children are seen as capable, curious, creative, and full of potential.

Our early years programme is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, an approach to education that sees children as capable, curious, creative, and full of potential. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, express their ideas, and actively participate in their own learning journey. Teachers carefully observe, listen, and create learning experiences based on the children’s questions, conversations, and natural curiosity. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, we value the learning process itself. We believe children learn deeply when they are given time to investigate, create, collaborate, and make meaning through real experiences. At Bumi Kecil, learning is hands-on, relationship-based, and closely connected to nature, community, and everyday life on the island.
We don’t rush childhood. We create space for children to wonder, explore, express themselves, and grow with confidence.
Children exploring shadow puppets and light play at Bumi Kecil
EXPRESSION & CREATIVITY

The Hundred Languages of Children

Children express themselves in many different ways.

At Bumi Kecil, we honour the “hundred languages of children”, the many ways children communicate ideas, emotions, creativity, and understanding beyond words alone.

Some children express themselves through painting or storytelling. Others through movement, building, music, imaginative play, conversation, or working with natural materials.

Art Music Movement Storytelling Building Nature Imaginative Play Cooking Conversation
Every day, children are invited to create, experiment, imagine, move, question, and discover in ways that feel meaningful to them.
INDIVIDUAL CARE

How We Support Each Child

Every child arrives with their own rhythm, personality, strengths, questions, and ways of expressing themselves. At Bumi Kecil, we take time to truly get to know each child. Our educators observe children carefully, document their learning, and use these observations to gently guide next steps. This helps us create learning experiences that feel meaningful, supportive, and connected to each child’s development. We also look closely at emotional readiness, language development, friendships, confidence, and how each child feels within the group. Learning is never separated from wellbeing.
Observation
Documentation
Individual learning plans
Emotional readiness
Language development
Friendships & transitions
NEXT STEPS

Growing Towards Primary

As children move through Kindergarten and Pre-Primary, they slowly build the foundations they need for the primary years, without losing the joy, creativity, and freedom of early childhood. Through play, projects, stories, conversations, games, and hands-on experiences, children naturally develop early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, independence, and confidence. We support each child’s transition into primary school gently and thoughtfully. Rather than rushing children to be “ready,” we help them grow into readiness through meaningful experiences, strong relationships, and a deep sense of belonging.
Our goal is for children to enter the primary years feeling capable, confident, curious, and ready for the next step in their learning journey.
VISIT BUMI KECIL

Visit Our Early Years Programme

Come visit us, meet the teachers, and see how our days feel.

We’re always happy to welcome families, answer questions, and help you get a feel for our learning spaces, daily rhythm, and community.

2026-2027 Calendar

Bumi Kecil Academic Year 2026 2027

Example Daily Schedule Kindergarten

Morning Circle (8:30AM - 9:00AM)

Morning Connection

Students are welcomed into the day with a group circle time inclusive of storytelling, reading books, singing and games.

Setting Our Intentions

Engage in meaningful discussions about the goals for the day, encouraging students to voice their interests and aspirations.

Literacy, Maths & Science Exploration (9:00AM - 10:00AM)

Choice-based Learning

Students are invited to select from a variety of activities, including  literacy exercises, and math challenges science-based experiments.

Empowering Interest

Encourage self-directed exploration, where students are free to explore ongoing projects in areas of their interest.

Morning snack (10:00AM - 10:30AM)

Child-Centered Nourishment

During this progressive morning snack break, students have the autonomy to decide when they’re ready to enjoy a healthy snack.

Kitchen Collaborators

Students participate in preparing and tidying up, fostering a sense of teamwork and independence among students.

Outdoor Play (10:30AM - 11:00AM)

Nature's Playground

Step into our outdoor nature area, where students are encouraged to engage in both structured and unstructured activities. Explore the sandpit, navigate the log climbing course, play ball games, and swing amongst the trees.

Environment as the Third Teacher

Embrace the natural world, where students can experience the outdoor play area, promoting physical activity and a connection with their environment.

Outdoor and Indoor Play (11:00AM - 12:00PM)

Indoor - Artistic Expression

Students are immersed into the world of creativity through painting, drawing, and various arts and crafts, empowering students to communicate their thoughts and emotions through the ‘100 languages’ of children.

Outdoor - Discovering Imagination

Encourage the discovery of imagination as students engage in imaginative role-playing, creating theatrical performances and constructing cubbies, bug hotels and natural climbing frames.

Circle Time (12:00PM - 12:30PM)

Circle Time

Come together in a whole group circle filled with music, storytelling, and puppets, providing a reflective and calming transition from the morning’s adventures.

Reflection and Connection

The students finish the day by reflecting on the day’s experiences and discoveries.

Inspiring Young Minds in a Tropical Paradise​

 At Bumi Kecil, we nurture big dreams, curious minds, and kind hearts in a one-of-a-kind setting. Join us in creating a childhood filled with adventures and a love for learning.