Children begin their learning journey at Sunchild School in a way that feels rooted in who they are and where they come from. Our kindergarten embraces Cree teachings, language and allowing young learners to grow with confidence and curiosity.
Each day is shaped by familiar faces, gentle routines, and hands-on experiences that help children connect with their identity and surroundings. Families, teachers, and community members work together to support every child, creating a beginning that feels safe, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Starting school at Sunchild feels familiar to the students because it honours the relationships children already have. They begin each day with greetings, routines, and small responsibilities that help them feel included. Teachers check in regularly with parents, ensuring everyone understands how the first days and weeks unfold.
As children settle in, they learn how to participate in group activities, make choices, and communicate with kindness. These early experiences teach them what it means to be part of a classroom community and lay the groundwork for a confident transition into formal schooling.
We follow the Alberta kindergarten curriculum, which provides a balanced start in early literacy, numeracy, and communication skills. Children explore letters, sounds, numbers, and patterns through activities that feel purposeful, stories, conversations, hands-on projects, and guided observation.
Teachers encourage children to ask questions, share ideas, and notice details in daily tasks. Over time, students learn how to follow directions, express thoughts clearly, and engage with new concepts. These skills form a steady base for Grade 1, helping children understand how learning works and what it means to take part in a classroom.
Sunchild’s kindergarten classrooms reflect the values of the First Nation community. Here, children hear the Cree language and teachings throughout the day, shaping how they understand the world. Elders and knowledge keepers visit to share stories and perspectives, while land-based learning for young children helps them observe nature and recognize their responsibilities to it.
These cultural moments help children develop pride in who they are, support respectful behaviour, and build awareness of their place in their community.
Young learners grow through activities that involve movement, creativity, and choice. Our children explore art materials, outdoor spaces, music, dramatic play, and building centres. These experiences strengthen fine motor skills, emotional awareness, and the ability to plan and solve problems.
Play brings ideas to life, letting children test possibilities and work with others in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. Every day introduces something new to try, observe, or create, turning curiosity into understanding.
Classrooms at Sunchild School’s Alberta campus are designed so children feel comfortable walking in, exploring, and trying new things without worry. Spaces are arranged for movement, quiet focus, and shared activities, giving every child a place where they can participate at their own pace.
The small size of our classrooms helps teachers understand what each child needs and support them with patient guidance and encouragement.
Children learn how to express feelings, take turns, and build friendships, knowing that adults are close by and ready to help. This environment creates a trust in the Sunchild First Nation community.
If you would like your child to begin their learning journey at Sunchild, you can contact our school office to start the kindergarten admissions process.
Our intent is for this transition to feel calm and welcoming, so you and your child enter school feeling ready, understood, and at ease. If you are registering your child make sure to tell us the gender and age.
