Welcome to the Happy Kids parents blog!
Click on your child's class to access the class blog.
Welcome to the Happy Kids parents blog!
Click on your child's class to access the class blog (password required).
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 28 February 2025
Our Bright Bunnies had an exciting chess class, diving into the world of the Pawn. They explored how this tiny but mighty piece moves across the board and discovered its strategic importance through fun and interactive games. Watching their curiosity and skills grow one move at a time is truly inspiring.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 28 February 2025
Our little artists in the Bright Bunnies discovered a magical new way to draw using shadows as their guide. They explored the shapes created by different objects and traced along the edges, turning shadows into stunning sketches. The best part was that they got to choose their objects, sparking creativity and independence. This activity was not just about art; it helped sharpen their focus, observation, and fine motor skills most excitingly.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 28 February 2025
Circle dances provide an excellent opportunity for imitative play, bringing our entire community together in a shared experience. As we stand in a circle, facing one another, the boundaries between leading and following become fluid, allowing each participant to step into both roles simultaneously. This dynamic interplay fosters a deep connection, where each movement is a response and an initiation. The Bright Bunnies exemplify this beautifully, seamlessly shifting between guiding and mirroring their peers. Through this reciprocal teamwork, they cultivate a strong sense of interdependence, reinforcing that each individual’s contributions are essential to the group’s harmony.
Bright Bunnies – 28 February 2025
Every small effort we make to help our planet has a significant impact. The children have been sharing fantastic ideas on how we can all contribute, from planting flowers for the bees to saving water by turning off taps. We also discussed how choosing electric cars, switching off lights when not needed, and bringing shopping lists and reusable bags can make a real difference. By making these small, thoughtful changes in our daily lives, we are helping to create a greener, healthier future for everyone. Let’s continue to inspire and take action together. Check out our Thinking Tree for some excellent ideas on how you can leave your imprint on our planet.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 7 February 2025
At Bright Bunnies, our little chess masters are sharpening their skills. They are not just learning how each piece moves across the board but also developing strategic thinking through fun and interactive games. Through exciting clue-based activities, they master the art of questioning, recognising chess pieces, and boosting their problem-solving abilities. Who knew learning chess could be this much fun?
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 7 February 2025
The Bright Bunnies had a fantastic time exploring the magic of winter colour. While learning about the season’s cool and cosy hues, they put their creativity to work, crafting stunning tree collages. The joy on their faces said it all: engaged, inspired, and excited.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 7 February 2025
An activity like Grasshoppers Three, where the Bright Bunnies dance to a lively song with scarves, is a valuable developmental tool. As they move their scarves in various directions—up high, down low, and all around—they enhance body awareness by intentionally imitating modelled movements. This activity fosters spatial awareness as they navigate movements above their heads and near their toes while also refining coordination through controlled arm and hand motions. Developing these fundamental movement skills supports dance and everyday activities, from construction work to simple daily tasks.
Bright Bunnies – 7 February 2025
The Bright Bunnies embarked on a delightful excursion through the neighbouring streets, making their way towards the playground down the road. With eager steps and cheerful spirits, they observed the vibrant surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the community. The journey provided an opportunity for exploration and social engagement, fostering a sense of curiosity and camaraderie among the group. Upon reaching the playground, the children enthusiastically embraced the various activities, enjoying moments of laughter and play in the open air. The experience proved enriching and memorable, reinforcing the joy of outdoor adventures.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 24 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies leveled up their chess game! Through fun and challenging games, they discovered each chess piece’s unique moves and abilities. From the queen’s mighty strides to the knight’s clever hops, their chess journey is full of surprises and strategy.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 24 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies children have been diving into the icy wonders of the polar regions, learning all about polar animals and their unique habitats! As part of their exploration, they created stunning penguin artworks by combining different art mediums like drawing and collaging. The creativity and excitement during this activity were absolutely heartwarming as the children truly brought these adorable penguins to life!
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 24 January 2025
Circle dances, rooted in the rich tradition of communities dancing together, continue to be a beautiful way to foster unity. This ancient practice nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, offering an inclusive experience for all ages and abilities. Michaelsen aptly states, “Circle dance is a very accessible form of dance, emphasising participation, not performance.” For the Bright Bunnies, circle dancing is both playful and meaningful. As they work together to follow the dance steps, they observe one another, imitate movements, and share eye contact. These small yet powerful interactions help create a strong sense of belonging and contribution. Through the joy of movement and connection, the Bright Bunnies are learning that teamwork and togetherness can be as fun as the dance.
Bright Bunnies – 24 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies discovered the fun of learning numbers outdoors through engaging activities that turned maths into an adventure. They began with choral response, reciting numbers in unison under the open sky, fostering unity and confidence. Next, they played “Pop-corn,” where they popped up on a target number, filling the air with laughter and excitement while sharpening their number skills. Divided into TRIBES, they collaborated to arrange scattered number cards in order, boosting teamwork and problem-solving. Finally, they crafted numbers from sticks, connecting with nature and practising number formation creatively. These dynamic activities showcased how the outdoors can make learning numbers tangible, joyful, and memorable.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 10 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies are hopping into the world of chess strategy! In their recent lessons, they explored the key features of each chess piece and got familiar with the concepts of ‘ranks’ and ‘files’ on the chessboard. To make learning extra fun, the children played interactive games that helped strengthen their chess skills. From mastering piece movements to navigating the board, they’re building critical thinking skills while having a blast!
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 10 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies had a wonderful time crafting beautiful mosaic snowflakes in their recent art lesson. While exploring the winter season and learning different art techniques, they honed their scissors skills, carefully cutting out shapes to create stunning snowflakes. This activity was creative and a great way to strengthen fine motor skills while embracing the magic of winter.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 10 January 2025
Today, the Bright Bunnies had a blast engaging in echo and imitation activities through singing, dancing, and playing. Imitation and echo are powerful teaching tools that play a vital role throughout our lives—whether by the campfire, learning new songs, repeating words in school, or mimicking dance steps.
The children used familiar three-syllable words to explore the minuet’s three-beat rhythm, recreated the rhythm with body percussion, and practised the movements together.
These experiences enhance their current learning and lay the groundwork for future skills in learning an instrument, singing, or playing in an ensemble. They build the foundation for endless musical possibilities by incorporating rhythm, movement, and music.
Bright Bunnies – 10 January 2025
Today, the Bright Bunnies took their programming skills outdoors for an exciting twist on the classic game of Simon Says. After learning the basics of giving directions—an essential skill for programming their Bee-Bop robot—they put their knowledge to the test through play. Taking turns as “Simon,” the children enthusiastically guided their friends to move straight ahead, turn right or left, or even step backwards, blending fun with learning in a lively and engaging way. Their laughter and creativity filled the garden, and we cannot wait for you to see just how much fun they had while honing their problem-solving and communication skills!
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 19 December 2024
In our recent chess classes, the children had a great time learning how to position the chess pieces on the board and getting to know each piece and its unique features. They enjoyed playing different games to enhance their learning.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 19 December 2024
The Bright Bunnies were all smiles as they got crafty with felt Christmas trees. Their little hands worked magic, decorating each tree with colourful buttons and shiny paper pieces, making each unique and festive.
The joy and excitement in the air were as bright as their creations!
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 19 December 2024
Movement and language are a powerhouse duo for the development of Bright Bunnies. As they dance, blow bubbles, or move around, pairing actions with words like “up” and “down” helps strengthen those vital brain connections. Singing along while labelling your movements or describing the movements your child is exploring adds a fun and rich layer to the experience. This combination of physical activity and language reinforces essential concepts and sparks creativity, allowing them to explore and express their actions in new ways.
By linking movement with words, you are nurturing their language skills and overall learning in a playful and engaging way
Bright Bunnies – 19 December 2024
The Bright Bunnies have been joyfully preparing for the festive season for the past few weeks. Their classroom has been buzzing with creativity, excitement, and plenty of holiday cheer as they immersed themselves in various activities to celebrate this magical time of year.
The Bright Bunnies poured their hearts into creating unique presents for their loved ones. Each gift was made carefully and creatively, showcasing their thoughtfulness and growing skills. In addition to these heartfelt gifts, the children worked together to create beautiful decorations for their classroom and corridors, adding a touch of festive sparkle to their surroundings.
One of the season’s highlights was the Bright Bunnies’ performance in the Alphabet Nativity. With rehearsals and lots of practice, the children learned their lines and songs, impressing everyone with enthusiasm and teamwork. The performance truly celebrated their hard work and the festive spirit.
To deepen their holiday experience, the Bright Bunnies attended a performance of The Nutcracker at the American International School. The enchanting story and stunning visuals sparked their imaginations and inspired a brand-new project.
After watching the play, the children decided to design their nutcrackers! Using items they collected from the garden, the Bright Bunnies have been hard at work bringing their unique creations to life. This project has encouraged them to think outside the box and explore their artistic talents in new and exciting ways.
We’re so proud of all the Bright Bunnies have achieved during this festive season and can’t wait to share more about their Nutcracker designs. Stay tuned for more photos and updates as we continue this creative journey. Happy holidays from all of us!
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 6 December 2024
The Bright Bunnies explored the exciting world of chess! They practised moving pieces across the board, learned to identify each piece by its features, and had a blast playing fun games.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 6 December 2024
The Bright Bunnies are all set to welcome St. Nicholas! They had a blast making paper plate Santas and enjoyed every moment of the creative process.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 6 December 2024
Big bounces have big benefits. Watch the Bright Bunnies for cues and see if they like to be bounced extra high or enjoy a surprise wiggle or drop. Children enjoy the physical sensation of experiencing something slightly unexpected. Bounces are a great workout for the Bright Bunnies’ stabilising muscles, which are necessary for healthy posture and overall balance. A silly surprise during a bounce is a fun way to strengthen those important tummy muscles.
Bright Bunnies – 6 December 2024
The Bright Bunnies are helping wildlife this winter! They created eco-friendly bird feeders using recycled materials and will soon hang them around the garden. Caring for our animal friends during the chilly season has never been so fun and impactful!
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 22 November 2024
Our Bright Bunnies are levelling up their chess game. Through hands-on activities and interactive games, they explored the unique characteristics of each chess piece and mastered the concept of chessboard ranks. Learning has never been this fun and strategic.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 22 November 2024
The Bright Bunnies are diving into the magic of seasonal changes, with a special focus on Autumn. They had a blast painting water-resistant autumn leaves, bringing them to life with vibrant watercolours. Their creativity and excitement truly captured the beauty of the season.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 22 November 2024
Imaginative play in childhood prepares the child to think creatively in various settings throughout their lives. When the Bright Bunnies engage in pretend playing with a prop, they shift from the question, “What does this object do?” to a slightly different question, “What can I do with this object?” The object itself ceases to be the primary focus of concern as the child incorporates the object into play and chooses the meaning and goals. Through repeated exploratory experiences, the child discovers that every object has unlimited possibilities. Using the imagination helps the Bright Bunnies develop the ability to think abstractly, use language to describe things others cannot see, and empathise.
Bright Bunnies – 22 November 2024
As the weather turns colder and the first snowflakes begin to fall, it is clear that winter is coming. This seasonal shift brings beauty, but it also poses challenges for our wildlife friends. Many creatures, big and small, will struggle to find food during these chilly months. Fortunately, the Bright Bunnies are on a mission to help.
This winter, our dedicated class is stepping up to lend a hand to those in need. Our first project focuses on creating food sources for the animals that inhabit our local environment. Caring for our surroundings is essential, so we prioritise using recycled materials.
One of our exciting initiatives is the creation of toilet paper bird feeders. These simple yet effective feeders are fun to make and serve a crucial purpose. They are now ready and waiting for our next gathering, where we’ll tie some string to them and find the perfect spots around the garden to hang them.
We’re thrilled about our contributions and can’t wait to see the positive impact we’ll have on the local wildlife. Stay tuned for more updates on this project and other upcoming initiatives from the Bright Bunnies. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no creature faces the winter alone.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 8 November 2024
The Bright Bunnies had an exciting introduction to the basics of chess! Through engaging activities, fun stories, and lively rhymes, they began exploring this timeless game’s fascinating world.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 8 November 2024
The Bunnies had a delightful time creating art with natural objects. Using branches they collected, the children explored their surroundings and brought nature to life by making unique prints and patterns..
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 8 November 2024
The message “I love you” can never be said too often. For the Bright Bunnies, hearing, singing, or even signing these words reinforces an essential feeling of being loved. Knowing they are unconditionally loved is a foundation for their emotional growth. This sense of security helps them develop into confident, capable learners. Whenever we express love, it adds to the support they need to thrive.
Bright Bunnies – 8 November 2024
Autumn is fun! Maths is fun! Being outside is fun! Collecting conifers, autumn leaves, sticks, and stones is even more fun! Learning maths outside in the blistering autumn sunshine is an abundance of fun. And if you have doubts about this, ask the Bright Bunnies!
Bright Bunnies -18 October 2024
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there is a magical transformation that happens during autumn. For the Bright Bunnies, this season brings the perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors while engaging in learning like never before.
This past week, the Bright Bunnies relished the wonderful autumn weather, soaking in the beauty of the season. With sunny skies overhead, they took advantage of every moment, venturing outside for lessons that inspired curiosity and enthusiasm. It is fascinating to see how nature can enhance the learning experience—turning something as fundamental as phonics into an adventure.
Could you imagine that learning phonics could be so much fun? For the Bright Bunnies, it is not just about sitting in a classroom; it is about exploring the world around them while expanding their knowledge. They engaged with the environment, using natural elements as tools for learning, fostering creativity, and promoting a joyful approach to education.
As the vibrant colours of autumn surround them, the Bright Bunnies demonstrate that education can indeed be an exciting journey filled with laughter, discovery, and joy. Here are to many more sunny days of learning and exploration in the embrace of nature!
Join us next time as we continue to follow the Bright Bunnies on their educational adventures!
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama,18 October 2024
Peekaboo fun with Bright Bunnies! Every time they hide and reappear, they are learning about object permanence—a key part of cognitive development. This playful activity builds trust, confidence, and curiosity, laying the groundwork for exploring the world around them.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts,18 October 2024
Bright Bunnies created a beautiful artwork, Umbrella Under the Rain! From colouring to using pipettes for raindrops, they enjoyed every moment of this creative journey.
Bright Bunnies – Chess,18 October 2024
Our Bright Bunnies dove into chess basics, exploring the moves, names, and traits of each chess piece! They had a blast learning to move pieces across the ‘ranks’ and ‘files’ and enjoyed a fun twist with a musical chess game and catchy chess rhymes.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 4 October 2024
In Bright Bunnies class, the children took their first steps into the world of chess by learning the names and features of the chess pieces. A special focus was placed on the ‘Rook,’ as the students discovered its unique movement and role on the chessboard. The lesson was fun as the children played games and learned chess rhymes, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. One of the highlights was a musical chess game, where the children walked in a circle, eagerly waiting for a chess piece to be raised. They raced to sit and join the game, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.
Bright Bunnies – 4 October 2024
Learning has never been more fun for the Bright Bunnies. We learnt the Scarecrow song to get us in the mood for our wonderful collaborative art project, “The Human Size Scarecrow.” One of our friends served as the perfect scarecrow model. Then, in our TRIBES, we spent memorable moments in the glowing sunshine, painting the Scarecrow from head to toe.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 4 October 2024
Taking turns is an essential social skill that can be particularly challenging for children in the Bright Bunnies stage. It requires patience, self-control, and understanding of others’ needs—concepts that can take time to grasp fully. Providing opportunities for Bright Bunnies to practice taking turns, especially in structured activities with supportive adults nearby, offers them a safe environment to develop this skill. With gentle guidance, children can learn how to navigate the complexities of sharing and waiting for their turn, laying the groundwork for more cooperative interactions.
The ability to take turns will not only contribute to a child’s social success, helping them build and maintain friendships, but it will also prove invaluable in more structured settings like school, where collaboration and patience are crucial for academic and personal growth. Practising this skill fosters emotional resilience, empathy, and a sense of fairness, all contributing to a well-rounded and socially adept individual.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 4 October 2024
The Bright Bunnies embraced the arrival of autumn with a fun painting project focused on trees! The children created beautiful leaves for their artwork using wine corks and vibrant autumn colours. This engaging activity not only allowed them to express their creativity but also provided a great opportunity to learn about the colours and characteristics of the autumn season. What a perfect way to welcome fall!
Bright Bunnies – 20 September 2024
The first few weeks of school have passed quickly, filled with exciting activities, games, and plenty to learn. Establishing and agreeing on the rules and code of behaviour is crucial for the successful functioning of any group. Maintaining order around us helps us find things when we need them. The Bright Bunnies had fun setting the four rules in our class and are trying hard to follow them.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 20 September 2024
The Bright Bunnies kicked off the academic year by making self-portraits using paper plates, crayons, and yarn. They explored various art materials to create rabbit-themed pieces, celebrated their class tribes, and reminisced about summer memories. Their creativity shone through during International Dot Day, where they arranged dots of different sizes into unique artwork.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 20 September 2024
In their latest chess lesson, the Bright Bunnies explored the fundamentals of the game through an engaging story about the “Chess Palace.” They learned the names and features of each chess piece while playing interactive games and reciting fun chess rhymes.
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 20 September 2024
Emotions play a crucial role in the learning process. The Bright Bunnies can absorb new information more readily and with greater ease when they feel calm, secure, and happy. Creating a positive emotional environment is key to their success, and learning alongside a trusted, beloved adult strengthens this even further. Simple, nurturing activities, such as gently rocking together, help foster a deep sense of safety and comfort, providing the Bright Bunnies with a secure foundation from which their learning can flourish. One of the most remarkable activities for the Bright Bunnies has been expressing their emotions through movement. By allowing them to physically interpret their feelings, they can connect their emotions to their bodies, gaining a deeper understanding of how to recognise and express what they feel.
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 28 February 2025
Our Bright Bunnies had an exciting chess class, diving into the world of the Pawn. They explored how this tiny but mighty piece moves across the board and discovered its strategic importance through fun and interactive games. Watching their curiosity and skills grow...
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 28 February 2025
Our little artists in the Bright Bunnies discovered a magical new way to draw using shadows as their guide. They explored the shapes created by different objects and traced along the edges, turning shadows into stunning sketches. The best part was that they got to...
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 28 February 2025
Circle dances provide an excellent opportunity for imitative play, bringing our entire community together in a shared experience. As we stand in a circle, facing one another, the boundaries between leading and following become fluid, allowing each participant to step...
Bright Bunnies – 28 February 2025
Every small effort we make to help our planet has a significant impact. The children have been sharing fantastic ideas on how we can all contribute, from planting flowers for the bees to saving water by turning off taps. We also discussed how choosing electric cars,...
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 7 February 2025
At Bright Bunnies, our little chess masters are sharpening their skills. They are not just learning how each piece moves across the board but also developing strategic thinking through fun and interactive games. Through exciting clue-based activities, they master...
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 7 February 2025
The Bright Bunnies had a fantastic time exploring the magic of winter colour. While learning about the season's cool and cosy hues, they put their creativity to work, crafting stunning tree collages. The joy on their faces said it all: engaged, inspired, and excited....
Bright Bunnies – Music and Drama, 7 February 2025
An activity like Grasshoppers Three, where the Bright Bunnies dance to a lively song with scarves, is a valuable developmental tool. As they move their scarves in various directions—up high, down low, and all around—they enhance body awareness by intentionally...
Bright Bunnies – 7 February 2025
The Bright Bunnies embarked on a delightful excursion through the neighbouring streets, making their way towards the playground down the road. With eager steps and cheerful spirits, they observed the vibrant surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the...
Bright Bunnies – Chess, 24 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies leveled up their chess game! Through fun and challenging games, they discovered each chess piece's unique moves and abilities. From the queen's mighty strides to the knight's clever hops, their chess journey is full of surprises and strategy.
Bright Bunnies – Visual Arts, 24 January 2025
The Bright Bunnies children have been diving into the icy wonders of the polar regions, learning all about polar animals and their unique habitats! As part of their exploration, they created stunning penguin artworks by combining different art mediums like drawing...