Early Years

The educational path is divided into Pioneers (Pre-Nursery – from 20 months to 2 years), Explorers (Nursery 3-4 years), Discovers/Investigators (4-5 years) and Discovery/Investigators (5-6 years).

The program integrates hands-on, creative and interactive activities fostering the development of cognitive, motor, social and emotional skills, making the International School of Turin an excellent choice among private preschools in Turin.

The Early Years day at the International School of Turin is designed to provide the youngest students with a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for developing their potential.

Organization

The International School of Turin organizes its Early Childhood Program into four main levels:

Pioneers
(Pre-Nursery – 20 months to 2 years)

8:30 am to 4:45 pm
(possible dismissal at 3:30 pm)

Explorers
(Nursery – 3-4 years)

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Discover/Investigators
(4-5 years)

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Discover/Investigators
(5-6 years)

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Due bambine, una bruna dai lineamenti asiatici, l’altra con i capelli rossi, sono sedute alla base di uno scivolo nell’area giochi dell’IST, leader tra le scuole materne private a torino

Education

The Early Years education at the International School of Turin is designed to foster curiosity, creativity and the development of children’s core skills through targeted and interactive activities, suited to their abilities. The program is divided into four main groups:

Pioneers (Pre-Nursery - 20 months to 2 years)

In Pre-Nursery, toddlers move their first steps along the school pathway within a safe, warm and welcoming environment. The program is entirely focused on emotional wellbeing and the development of the first social, motor and relational skills. The entire day is conducted in English, promoting a natural and gradual exposure to the language.

The activities offered include:

  • Learning through play, exploration, and action, respecting the individual pace of each child
  • The development of independence, self-confidence, and curiosity.
  • Motor and sensory activities to foster the development of fine and gross motor skills.

By the end of the year, children begin to feel comfortable in the school environment, develop self-awareness, and acquire basic emotional and social skills, laying the foundation for a serene educational journey.

Explorers (Nursery 3-4 anni)

The Nursery Program introduces children to basic English vocabulary and focuses on the development of cognitive, motor and social skills through playful and engaging activities.
The entire school day is conducted in English.

The activities offered are:

  • Learning essential vocabulary related to colors, shapes, family members, school utensils, body parts, clothing, foods, animals, and jobs.
  • Introduction to simple English commands to promote comprehension.
  • Exploration of the transdisciplinary themes of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), including Who We Are, Where We Are in Space and Time, How We Express Ourselves, and How the World Works.
    Development of motor skills through playful and creative activities.

 

By the end of the year, children understand what is said to them in English, even if they don’t speak fluently yet.

Le mani di due bambini giocano con orsetti di plastica colorati di rosso, giallo, verde, blu e viola. Lo scolaro in basso ha una felpa azzurra, l’altro un fine braccialetto metallico

Discovers/Investigators (4-5 years)

Within this age group, children continue to expand their English vocabulary and start to develop more complex concepts, such as classification and size. The approach becomes more structured, though still conducted through creative and interactive activities.

Lungo e luminoso corridoio con porta a vetri finale. Sul lato destro file di armadietti azzurri per gli alunni, a sinistra scaffali con dossier e appendiabiti a misura di bambino

The activities offered includes:

  • Exploration of colour, size and classification concepts.
  • Initial writing activities, with the goal of recognizing letters and beginning to write their own name.
  • Development of linguistic skills, encouraging spontaneous use of English in class.

 

By the end of the year children begin to feel comfortable speaking English and use it voluntarily in everyday interactions.

Discovers/Investigators (5-6 years)

During this period, teaching becomes more structured, introducing the foundations for reading, writing and mathematics. In this stage, alongside English, children are first introduced to the Italian language, taught gradually and appropriately for their age.

Key activities include:

  • Learning the initial sounds of all the letters of the alphabet, supported by phonics exercises.
  • Storytelling and creative writing to develop critical thinking and imagination.
    In-depth exploration of complex concepts such as the senses, climate, life cycles, and transportation.
  • Access to the school library and involvement in literary activities to foster a love of reading.

 

By the end of the year, students are able to answer questions and discuss topics in English with confidence.
They acquire the foundations of reading, writing, and mathematics, while developing independence and curiosity.

Nutrition
and wellbeing

In the Early Years program at the International School of Turin, meals are a key aspect in ensuring children’s wellbeing. Served in a dedicated area of the cafeteria, with balanced menus designed for their needs, meals provide not just healthy nutrition, but also an opportunity to promote autonomy, socialization and respect for table rules, contributing to their overall development.

Un bambino dai capelli castani con una polo bianca dell’IST, seduto a un tavolo chiaro, impugna con la sinistra un cucchiaio per raccogliere il contenuto del piatto davanti a sé

Learning environment

Early Year program spaces at the International School of Turin are designed to meet the needs of children aged 20 months to 6 years. The bright and welcoming classrooms create a stimulating learning environment, whereas the renovated outdoors areas, equipped with age appropriate games, encourage motor development through play. For the youngest students of Pre-Nursery and Nursery, a dedicated nap room is also available, providing relaxation time in a safe and cosy environment. Every space is designed to promote children’s safety, creativity and wellbeing.