Week 1: Maths is everywhere
Our June theme, Maths & Logic Made Fun, invites us to look beyond numbers and worksheets and discover the many ways mathematical thinking is woven into everyday learning.
This week, our Grade 6 students put their problem-solving skills to the test by working their way through a Maths Escape Room. Through teamwork, logical thinking, and perseverance, they solved challenges and unlocked clues, demonstrating that mathematics can be both engaging and exciting.
Meanwhile, our Grade 5 and 6 students explored the beautiful Seealpsee as part of their Mountains and Rivers unit. Outdoor learning experiences like these encourage children to observe, compare, estimate, measure, and make connections between classroom learning and the real world.
In Kindergarten, mathematical thinking could be observed in the forest, where children explored measurement, comparison, and patterns in nature. Through hands-on experiences, they discovered that maths is not only something we learn in the classroom, but something we encounter all around us.
Across all departments, children were also busy preparing thoughtful Father's Day gifts, using creativity, planning, sequencing, and fine motor skills to create something special for the important people in their lives.
💡 Good to know
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Children develop mathematical thinking through play, exploration, and real-life experiences
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Problem-solving activities help build perseverance and confidence
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Outdoor learning offers countless opportunities for measuring, comparing, estimating, and observing patterns
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Mathematics becomes meaningful when children can experience it in authentic contexts
At KIBS, maths is not just something children learn — it is something they experience.
Week 2: Learning Through Games
This week, mathematical thinking, creativity, and teamwork came together in a very special way during our Primary Domino Week.
To prepare for this exciting challenge, the entire cafeteria was transformed into a giant domino-building space, with each class creating its own section of a larger collaborative design. Throughout the week, students carefully planned, tested, adjusted, and rebuilt their domino chains, learning that success often comes through patience, perseverance, and problem-solving.
On Thursday, the whole Primary School gathered to admire the finished creations and celebrate the effort behind them. While not every domino chain went exactly as planned, the project provided valuable opportunities to develop logical thinking, spatial awareness, teamwork, resilience, and attention to detail. Most importantly, students experienced that learning often happens through trial and error, and that challenges can lead to growth, creativity, and new ideas.
In Kindergarten, children continued exploring mathematical thinking through estimation activities and long jump challenges. By making predictions, comparing results, and measuring distances, they discovered mathematical concepts through movement, play, and hands-on experiences.
In Grade 1, a lively maths speed game provided another playful opportunity for students to strengthen their number skills and quick thinking.
At the same time, excitement could be felt throughout the school as students helped prepare for the beginning of the FIFA Club World Cup. Classrooms and shared spaces were decorated, bringing a sense of anticipation and international spirit to our learning environment.
This week reminded us that mathematics and logic are not only about finding the right answer. They are about experimenting, collaborating, learning from mistakes, and discovering how ideas connect and grow.
Week 3: Learning Beyond The Classroom
This week, learning extended far beyond the classroom walls as students explored, discovered, and experienced the world around them in meaningful ways.
Our Grade 2 to Grade 5 students enjoyed an overnight trip to Elm, where they strengthened their independence, teamwork, and confidence while creating lasting memories together. Through shared experiences and new challenges, students had many opportunities to learn, grow, and support one another.
Meanwhile, our Grade 1 students took learning to new heights during an exciting visit to the airport as part of their Transportation unit. Exploring a real-world environment helped bring classroom learning to life, encouraging children to observe, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of how people and goods travel around the world.
In Kindergarten, mathematical thinking continued to develop through a variety of hands-on activities linked to our Maths & Logic Made Fun theme. Through estimating, measuring, comparing, recognising patterns, and solving simple challenges, children discovered that mathematics is not only about numbers but about making sense of the world around them. Through play, movement, and investigation, they experienced mathematical concepts in meaningful and engaging ways.
Our youngest learners enjoyed exploring the ball pool in a variety of playful ways. Beyond sensory play with the colourful balls, they worked together to attach them to a large sheet of foil, turning a simple activity into an opportunity for creativity, exploration, and shared discovery.
At KIBS, learning grows through curiosity, exploration, and real-life experiences.
Week 4: Learning Through Real-Life Experiences
As our Maths & Logic Made Fun theme comes to a close, this week once again showed that mathematical and logical thinking extend far beyond the classroom. They grow through play, exploration, creativity, and real-life experiences.
Our Little Bees explored early mathematical concepts by matching numbers to the correct number of dots, counting objects, and making first connections between numbers and quantities. Through playful, hands-on activities, they built a strong foundation for early mathematical thinking.
Our Little Stars discovered maths through a fun water activity, counting colourful balls while experimenting with quantities, movement, and cause and effect. Through sensory play and exploration, mathematical concepts came to life in a natural and engaging way.
In Kindergarten, mathematical thinking remained at the heart of everyday learning. Through estimating, comparing, recognising patterns, sorting, and solving small challenges, children discovered that maths is everywhere when they learn through play.
In Grade 1, students explored subtraction in a creative way using playdough. By shaping, counting, and removing pieces, they experienced mathematical concepts with their hands, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.
Additional hands-on maths activities encouraged logical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving in a playful way.
Beyond the classroom, our Grade 5 students successfully completed the official City of Zurich Bicycle Proficiency Test, an important part of Zurich's long-established road safety programme.
Organised by the Zurich City Police, the practical test challenged students to apply observation, spatial awareness, logical thinking, and responsible decision-making in real traffic situations. More than simply passing a test, it marked an important milestone towards greater independence and confidence.
As we conclude this month's theme, we are reminded that mathematics is much more than numbers. It is about thinking, exploring, making connections, solving problems, and discovering the world with curiosity.