The Shed at Shek O
Our Curriculum
The Shed at Shek O is our new year-round monthly program featuring a custom curriculum that seamlessly combines nature-based play with traditional academic learning. We offer two programs for children ages 1-4 years old:
Our curriculum aims to foster meaningful, inquiry-rich experiences that embody three of The Shed’s core values: holistic child development (ME), community connection (WE), and a bond with nature (US).
Rooted in best practices from early childhood education, international frameworks, and Jolly Phonics, our tailored approach incorporates elements from the natural environment and local community to offer hands-on, authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. This ensures that every child at The Shed develops into a confident, creative, and compassionate learner, prepared for both school and life.
Curriculum Core Principles
The curriculum is built on five core principles:
Child-Centered and Developmentally Appropriate: Respects each child's unique pace and interests, offering choices and self-direction within a structured environment.
Experiential, Hands-On Learning: Encourages learning through active engagement—collecting natural objects, exploring surroundings, and participating in projects that connect sensory experiences with academic concepts.
Integration of Learning Areas: Weaves together language, numeracy, science, arts, and social-emotional skills through thematic and real-life contexts for holistic development.
Values-Driven Education: Promotes kindness, respect for people and nature, empathy, and cultural appreciation, which are embodied daily through stories, group activities, and community rituals.
Reflection and Growth: Provides regular opportunities for reflection, helping children understand their experiences and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Our Classroom
At The Shed at Shek O, we offer a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience. Our classroom is nestled in the safe and friendly community of Shek O, where we leverage the area’s natural resources—beaches, forests, rock pools and farms—to provide authentic, nature-based exploration.
This unique setting creates the perfect sanctuary for our Shedders to explore language, phonics, numeracy, emotional literacy, culture, and creativity—The Shed way.
Mini Shedders Program (3-4yo)
Building a sense of self and fostering a love of learning.
Mini Shedders embrace greater independence and a growing love of learning. With weekly adventures in nature, children practice teamwork, empathy, and creative thinking. Our program blends traditional academics—language, phonics, early numeracy—with rich storytelling, cultural exploration, and emotional literacy, empowering every child to thrive in both nature and community.
Learning Outcomes:
✔️ Language: Full sentences, storytelling, enriched vocabulary.
✔️ Physical Development: Improved coordination, balance, fine motor skills (drawing, cutting), group games.
✔️ Social-Emotional: Cooperative play, empathy, sense of self and belonging, emotional regulation.
✔️ Cognitive: Logical thinking, imaginative play, understanding rules, early literacy and numeracy, curiosity-driven inquiry.
Tiny Shedders Program (1-2yo)
A joyful first step into nature and learning.
Tiny Shedder classes introduce children to the wonders of nature-based play woven with early learning. Fostering separation confidence, budding independence, friendships, and the first skills in language, sensory development, movement, and social-emotional understanding, making every day an adventure in discovery.
Note: Bi-weekly outdoor adventures - depending on the children’s readiness; this class may be accompanied, based on child’s needs.
Learning Outcomes:
✔️ Language: Expanding vocabulary, beginning phrases, early communication.
✔️ Physical Development: Building gross motor skills (running, climbing) and fine motor skills (manipulating objects).
✔️ Social-Emotional: Parallel play, early friendship, self-awareness, emotional expression, independence.
✔️ Cognitive: Curiosity, basic problem-solving, pretend play, following simple instructions.
2025/26 Monthly Calendar Themes
We use themes as a way to engage children, but themes may change year to year, and month to month, according to student interests to encourage their active participation in learning.
