Building Strong Foundations through Literacy, Maths and Enabling Environments

At The British International School of Washington, we nurture a love of learning from the very start. Our Early Years approach blends rich language experiences, hands-on mathematics, and thoughtfully designed play-based environments so children build solid foundations for primary school and beyond.

Early Literacy: Language That Sparks Imagination

From the earliest days, children are immersed in books, stories, songs, and rhymes that enrich vocabulary and imagination.

• Pre‑Nursery & Nursery: We focus on pre‑literacy skills—listening, rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration—while developing gross and fine motor skills that support mark‑making and early writing.
• Reception: We introduce reading and writing through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, providing clear, systematic instruction so every child grows into a confident, independent reader and writer.

Early Maths: Purposeful Play, Real Understanding

Maths is everywhere in our day. Through hands-on experiences, children explore counting, pattern, shape, space, and measurement in meaningful contexts—sorting natural materials, building towers, comparing sizes, and spotting patterns in the classroom and outdoors. This playful approach helps children reason, problem‑solve, and communicate their ideas with growing confidence.

Enabling Environments: Designed for Independence & Curiosity

Our play-based learning environments are intentionally arranged to encourage independence, creativity, and curiosity. With open‑ended activities and authentic real‑life experiences, children choose, explore, and collaborate—discovering what interests them and learning to take ownership of their progress. These enabling spaces make learning visible and joyful, supporting both academic growth and social-emotional development.

At The British International School of Washington, we are committed to building strong Early Years foundations through literacy, maths, and enabling environments that inspire every child. If you’re looking for an international school in Washington, DC that champions play-based learning and high-quality phonics instruction, get in touch—we’d love to welcome you for a visit.