Inside Look: a Day in the Life of a Kindergartner at TAS
By Lindsey Kundel, Director of Communications and Marketing
In preparation for this year's Lower School Open House, TAS is shining the spotlight on our incredible early childhood program. Every Wednesday for the next month, we will publish a new article about our early childhood program, with information to help any prospective family as they consider becoming a Tiger family.
Since its establishment in 1949, Taipei American School (TAS) has emerged as one of Asia's premier independent educational institutions, weaving an American-based education with a distinctly global perspective. Today, let's explore the heartbeat of our renowned campus: the kindergarten experience in our Lower School.
Located in the serene northern suburb of Tianmu, TAS boasts a flourishing campus that seamlessly integrates the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. This unique blend ensures that our youngest learners, starting from pre-kindergarten (KA), are nurtured in an environment that resonates with inspiration and aspiration, all under one roof.
As dawn breaks over Taipei, kindergarten teacher Maria Peters preps her classroom. "Morning routines set the tone," Maria reflects. "In this space, where a legacy of over seven decades of education meets the fresh spirit of the new generation, we want our children to feel treasured and excited for each day."
Matt Parenteau, a dedicated member of the kindergarten faculty, dives into the value of activity-based learning. "Here at TAS, we don't just instruct; we inspire. Whether it's a hands-on art project or a group science experiment, we encapsulate our school's passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) from these early stages. Every challenge becomes a thrilling adventure, every lesson a memorable journey."
It's not all about individual tasks, though. Collaborative efforts play a significant role in the TAS curriculum. Maria emphasizes, "Our students quickly learn the essence of teamwork. Sharing, understanding different viewpoints, and celebrating joint achievements are foundational lessons they carry forward throughout their TAS journey."
Lunchtime conversations, afternoon creativity bursts, and moments of reflection round off their bustling day. Matt elaborates, "Reflection is more than just recounting events. It's a space for gratitude, understanding, and dreaming bigger. It mirrors our school's enduring mission: fostering a commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service."
An integral part of TAS's identity is its commitment to the creative arts. And it starts early. In our kindergarten classes, storytelling takes center stage, music evokes emotions, and art becomes an expressive canvas.
TAS's reputation rests not just on academic prowess but on molding characters committed to bettering the world. As our kindergarteners navigate their day, their teachers like Maria and Matt, along with Nicky Robinson, James Couch, Kelsey Alexander, and Katarina Safradin (along with a team of incredible TAs, expert teachers for the arts, P.E. and Mandarin, instructional coaches for literacy, math, and technology, and a grade-specific counselor) ensure that beyond academics, values of compassion, resilience, and global citizenship are instilled.
With around 200 full-time employees who call the TAS Lower School their professional home, your kindergartener will be supported by experts in their field who are committed to knowing, valuing, and supporting the growth of your little one, in the classroom and beyond.
For parents contemplating the best start for their children, a day in TAS's kindergarten is a blend of legacy, innovation, and boundless opportunities. Maria explains "Every day at TAS is not just another day of learning; it's another day of crafting future global leaders."
While some parents may choose to wait to enroll their child in a private American-style institution later in their child’s educational journey, at TAS, we believe it’s important for students to be given an educational boost as early as possible.