Theme-based learning is a teaching approach that connects different subjects and topics through a common theme or idea. It has the following wonderful effects:
Makes learning fun
Uses themes that are meaningful to students. Combined with a hands-on approach, learning is super fun!
Increases motivation
Taps into student’s interests and encourages them to learn more about each theme
Enhances learning retention
By connecting different subjects to a central theme, students can retain the information for a longer period
Encourages critical thinking
Involves problem-solving and critical thinking. Students are challenged to ask questions, make connections, and think creatively
Develops communication skills
Provides opportunities for students to share their ideas and communicate with others. They learn to express themselves clearly and listen to others
Supports social development
Often involves group work and collaboration, which helps students develop social skills such as cooperation and teamwork
Improves self-esteem
Provides students with opportunities to showcase their talents and interests. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence
NIVA's kindergarten curriculum is designed to introduce our students to foundational academic concepts, as well as to foster socio-emotional development and skills.
English: Literacy
The foundation for all other learning. Students learn to read, write, and communicate with others
phonics
phonemics
vocabulary
pencil gripping
basic grammar
writing skills
basic sentence structures
practice expressing needs and wants clearly
learn to use polite language with peers and adults
Reading & Library
Develops abilities to think, understand and form coherent thought processes
letter recognition
digraphs
cvc blends
contextual clues
sight words
comprehension
reading fluency
library time
Raz-kids
inspire love for reading
build focus when reading longer texts
Mathematics
The foundation for logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
counting
number recognition
shapes and patterns
addition
subtraction
telling time
object comparison
inspire love for math
develop problem-solving skills
seeing and using math in daily life
Science
The study of the natural world, encouraging students to observe, compare, and think critically
the natural world
my body
earth
plant life cycle
forests
seas
fish
birds
mammals
reptiles
caring for the environment
learn to appreciate the world around me
foster a sense of wonder and curiosity
Social Studies
Students learn about their place in the world, promotes empathy and an appreciation for diversity
family
community
basic geography
cultures
historical events
empathy for others around us
appreciate different cultures and traditions
Thai
The foundation of life in Thailand. Students learn to read, write, and communicate with others
Thai alphabets and characters
vocabulary
basic grammar
writing skills
Thai culture
communicate effectively in Thai
build confidence for language learning
Chinese
Opens up opportunities to communicate with a large population of people worldwide and understand Chinese culture
Chinese characters & vocabulary
pronunciation
listening
basic grammar
Chinese culture
basic conversation skills
appreciation for cultural diversity
build confidence for language learning
IT
Learn technological concepts early, Improve digital literacy and prepare for the digital world
keyboarding & typing
mouse
touchpad
word processing
basic paint programs
internet skills
basic computer vocabulary
basic troubleshooting skills
develop interest in technology
confidence in exploring new technologies
Music
Learning music enhances cognitive development, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and provides an opportunity self-expression
singing
dancing
active listening
pitch recognition
rhythm
basic music theory
gross motor skills
learn to expressing one’s emotions
improve memory & spatial reasoning
boost self-esteem
Life skills
Students develop an understanding of their identity, feelings and how to interact with others in wholesome relationships
manners
dressing & undressing
tying shoelaces
emotional regulation
impulse control
handling money
making thoughtful decisions
build character
develop healthy identities
learn to feel and express emotions
Art
Fosters creativity, imagination, and provides an opportunity to express emotions in a personal way
color recognition
drawing
coloring
fine motor skills
hand-eye coorditation
encourages risk taking
develop willingness to try new things
express emotions creatively
PE & Health
Essential for physical, social, and emotional development. Learn about nutrition and health and promoting teamwork and sportsmanship
NIVA uses an American curriculum based on the California common core standards.
What are the class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios? What is the average class size and how many students are there per class?
We typically have smaller class sizes and lower student-to-teacher ratios than Thai schools. Class sizes may range from 15 to 26 students, with student-to-teacher ratios ranging from 13:1 to 20:1.
What are the qualifications of the teachers and staff?
Teachers and staff at NIVA hold advanced degrees and have experience teaching in international or multicultural settings.
What facilities and resources are available for students, such as libraries, sports facilities, and technology?
Do we have a program to help students who cannot speak English?
Yes, we do. Our English Language Learner (ELL) program is designed to lay foundations for student who don't speak English with the goal of getting them ready to join our mainstream program. This program is available to all students, including those coming from Thai schools and Chinese-speaking families.
What extracurricular activities (ECAs) does the school offer?
NIVA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, music, drama, and community service. Click on the following links to see a sample of ECAs we offer for elementary school and secondary school. Please note that the ECAs listed here are examples of what we typically offer. This list may change according to student interest.
What is the school's policy on student safety and security?
NIVA has policies and procedures in place to ensure student safety and security, including protocols for emergency situations, visitor management, and student supervision. You can read more about our Child Protection Policy here.
What are the admission requirements and criteria for the school?
Can I reserve a seat for my child two or more years in advance?
Yes, you can reserve for two or more years through a non-refundable deposit. Please give our admissions team a call at 02-948-4605 or 095-264-9445 for more details. Please note that the availabilty of this option will depend on the seats available for that class as well as the size of our waiting list.
This is the first time my child is going to school. How should I prepare my child for the start of the year?
Congratulations for another big step for your child! To prepare your child for the start of nursery or kindergarten, we recommend:
Creating a routine using the school's schedule as a model. This will help the child ease into waking up at the right time, getting hungry during designated snack and meal times, and so on.
Talking to your child about what to expected at school
Reading fun stories about going to school
Practicing separation if your child has never been away from you before. This will help ease their seperation anxiety on the first few days of school!
Apart from regular classes, does NIVA provide any special subjects?
Yes, swimming, and the choice between tae kwon do and ballet are built-in to our program.
How long does it take for students to be able to communicate in English?
There are no magic numbers here. This varies from child to child depending on various factors, such as age, personality, and parent participation with English practice at home. But don't worry, at NIVA, we continuously assess your child's progress and personalize our program to best suit for their needs and pace.
How does NIVA assess a child's development?
NIVA Kindergarten uses an assessment method called skills-based grading. For more details about its benefits over traditional grading methods as well as how it works, please feel free to contact our Kindergarten Department.
How should I prepare my child for the start of the year?
To help prepare your child for the start of the school year, it's a good idea to:
Establish a routine a few weeks before the first day of school. This can include gradually adjusting their sleep schedule, practicing self-care skills such as dressing and hygiene, and setting up a designated homework space.
Talk to your child about what to expect during the school day, including routines, procedures, and any changes due to COVID-19.
Attend any orientation or back-to-school events offered by the school to help your child feel more comfortable and excited for the upcoming year
What can I do to help my child succeed?
To help your child succeed in elementary school,
establish a consistent routine
encourage regular attendance
communicate with your child's teacher
provide a supportive home environment
encourage a love for learning
How often should my child read? What reading programs do you use at school?
It is recommended that elementary students read for at least 20 minutes per day outside of school. However, the frequency of reading can depend on your child's age and reading level. We have assisted apps, such as RazKids, for students to use to help them get in the habit of reading.
How can I get feedback about my child’s academics and behavior?
All teachers communicate through Google Chat for each of their classes. Parents are invited into these group chats and are able to send private messages to each teacher. This is a great way to get updates regarding your child's performance at school.
Do you have any after-school programs?
Yes, we have academic support for students who need help with their school subjects. We are also planning to include other skills-based after-school classes for students soon.
What AP courses does NIVA offer?
Please click here to see AP courses we offer. Please keep in mind that each class must have met the required minimum number of students registered it to take place.
How does the AP program benefit the students when they go to university?
The Advanced Placement (AP) program can benefit students when they go to university by providing them with college-level coursework in high school, which can help prepare them for the rigor and expectations of university-level courses.
Students who take AP courses may be eligible to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both, which can help reduce the cost of college tuition and allow students to graduate earlier.
Additionally, having AP courses on a student's transcript can demonstrate to universities that they are willing to challenge themselves academically and may improve their chances of being accepted into competitive programs.
Do students receive a diploma for AP?
There are two types of AP diploma:
AP Capstone Diploma: The requirements for receiving this diploma is as follows: AP Capstone 1 (Seminar), AP Capstone 2 (Research), four other AP exam scores (all scores have to be at least 3 out of 5).
AP International Diploma (APID): A globally recognized certificate awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines. Five AP exams with scores of 3 or above is required (different subjects have different requirements).
How does the school help students with scholarships abroad?
Our guidance counselor works tirelessly to help our grade 11 and 12 students apply for scholarships abroad. We help students prepare and send their applications, guide them with the student interview questions, and assist with all the documents needed for their choice universities.
What happens when a student changes from IB curriculum (or others) to an American Curriculum?
When a student transfers to NIVA, our guidance counselor and registrar will assess and determine subjects that can be matched and transfered to our system. We will then guide the student through the process of developing a plan to acquire the remaining necessary credits and classes for graduation.
