Children Leading Learning

At the International School of Moscow, we believe children should be active participants in their learning, not simply recipients of it. Walk into an Early Years classroom at ISM and you will see children who are encouraged to wonder, explore, question and take their learning in unexpected directions.

One of our focuses for teaching and learning this academic year is giving children an even greater voice in shaping what happens in the classroom. Rather than beginning with a prescriptive topic title, we start each half term with a big thinking question. These questions spark curiosity, invite different ideas and provide a starting point for children to explore what matters to them.

This half term, we have started with two very different questions: “What makes me unique?” in Nursery and “I wonder how this story might end?” in Reception. From there, children’s ideas and responses help shape where their learning goes next.

Teachers listen carefully to children’s questions and interests, crafting learning experiences that build on their thinking. Through play and continuous provision, children can explore, investigate, problem-solve and develop their ideas across the curriculum. Adults thoughtfully extend this learning by introducing new vocabulary, modelling skills, asking questions and providing resources that deepen children’s understanding.

For us, children leading learning is also about belonging. When children see their experiences, interests and ideas reflected in the classroom, learning becomes something that matters to them. They develop a sense that their voice is valued, their contributions are important and that they have a genuine place within our learning community.