Russian mom Nastya witnesses her daughter from "timidity" to "self-confidence"
At CIS Kindergarten, every parent witnesses their child’s remarkable growth, and some stories quietly unfold in their hearts. For Nastya, mother of Melaniia, a K5 student from Russia, this journey has been especially meaningful.
Last year marked a turning point for the family’s educational path — it was the first time both children entered a fully English-speaking international school. While the younger daughter started her kindergarten life, her older brother joined Grade 6. Together, the family embraced a brand-new chapter of growth and discovery.
Nastya shares her reflections at the Year-End Awards Ceremony
For the parents, it was a brand-new beginning—filled with excitement, anticipation, and also a bit of worry.“I as a parent had many concerns about the child’s entering the school: Is she ready academically, physically and mentally?”
But on the day of the graduation ceremony, as she watched her daughter perform with confidence, her worries melted away.“I finally realized that there is nothing to be afraid of!”
1. Falling in Love with School: She Never Once Said“I Don’t Want to Go”
When Melaniia first joined CIS, her English was very basic. The idea of facing an all-English environment was daunting.“How can I deal with non-Russian speaking teachers and children?”she once asked her mother.
Yet from the very beginning, she never resisted going to school.“She didn’t suffer any stress, and it was our first ‘victory’.”
It was a meaningful moment in the eyes of the mother—her child didn’t resist school but instead grew to love life at CIS.This sense of security and belonging comes from CIS’s unwavering commitment to “Academic Excellence， Caring Community”.Teachers don’t just focus on where a child starts with language—they care deeply about whether each child is seen, understood, and truly accepted. Through gentle guidance, patient communication, and teaching methods that align with each child’s interests, students quickly find their footing—even in a brand-new environment.
2. CIS’s Progressive Curriculum Sparks a Passion for Learning
At CIS Kindergarten, the curriculum blends the Canadian Alberta framework with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emphasizing exploration and expression in real-world contexts. It supports the integration of language, cognitive, social, and artistic development, fostering well-rounded growth.In these dynamic classrooms, every teacher brings their own unique teaching style and approach, guiding children from passive learning to active engagement.
As Melaniia’s mother shared, “I was impressed by the different teachers’ styles and approaches… that encourage kids to be involved in learning and exploring alongside with language acquisition.”
At CIS, learning is not just about delivering knowledge—it’s a process of sparking curiosity and broadening perspectives. Guided by an inquiry-based approach, teachers help children discover their interests, ask meaningful questions, and gain a sense of growth and accomplishment through hands-on experiences.
3. Learning Happens Beyond the Classroom
Melaniia’s mother mentioned,“Every day report with sharing pictures of what the kids were studying and experiencing during a day, three-way conference meetings, field trips and exhibitions prove that the kindergarten takes a holistic approach to education.”
From inside the classroom to outside, from campus to nature, from exhibition days to family communication, every learning experience at CIS extends and supports the child’s overall development. It is this attentive and comprehensive “whole-child education” that allows parents to witness their child’s daily growth—not just waiting until the end of the term to see results.
She said,“Now my daughter is capable of doing math, reading simple English books, retelling the story and even can understand some Chinese phrases and words.”
4. ASA Programs Boost Expression and Confidence Development
Beyond the core curriculum, a rich variety of ASA programs provide children with a broad platform to grow.“ASA activities (art classes, drama and ballet) as well helped her to be confident in self-presentation.”
From behind the scenes to center stage, from creation to presentation, every step encourages children to express themselves boldly and showcase their talents with enthusiasm—not to perform perfectly, but to truly enjoy the process of being themselves.
5. Dedicated Teaching Team Creates a Warm and Nurturing Environment
Melaniia’s mother expressed special gratitude to the CIS teaching team:“I am really grateful to CIS staff, our teachers in particular Ms Hung and Ms Vivi, who create such a comfortable and learning-provoking environment.”
Ms Vivi (top) and Ms Hung (bottom)
At CIS, our teaching team is made up of professional educators from around the world, bringing diverse cultural perspectives and strong teaching expertise. Every teacher believes that each child is unique—education cannot be one-size-fits-all but must be personalized and walk alongside each child’s journey.
6.From Shy to Confident: A Child’s Journey of Blossoming at CIS
Growth is never an overnight achievement; it quietly unfolds through countless everyday moments. From timidly stepping into an unfamiliar school to confidently facing challenges today, every smile, every performance, and every presentation marks a child’s steps toward the world.
At CIS, we are committed to walking alongside each child—igniting their potential through “academic excellence” and nurturing their courage through “caring community”—helping them embark calmly on a journey toward their own bright future.
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