Play-Based Learning as the Foundation of Education in Kindergarten

Play-Based Activities at MY HORIZONS Private Kindergarten

Preschool age is a period when children explore the world in the most natural way — through play. Play helps children understand new rules, try out different roles, express emotions, and reinforce knowledge. At MY HORIZONS private kindergarten, play-based activities form the foundation of the educational process: they combine curiosity with usefulness, and development with enjoyment. Here, children learn easily, naturally, and with joy.

Learning Through Play: Modern Methods

Modern pedagogy shows that children learn most effectively through play, as it is their natural way of exploring the world. At MY HORIZONS private kindergarten, this principle is fully applied: educational tasks are woven into engaging scenarios, turning each activity into an adventure. For example, learning numbers and letters can be combined with active games, creative exercises, or interactive materials.

Teachers carefully select developmental games that train not only logic and memory but also imagination, attention, and communication skills. These may include board activities, construction sets, role-playing games (“store,” “hospital,” “travel”), or simple experiments with natural materials such as sand, water, or pebbles. Through such activities, children not only receive information but also learn to apply it in everyday life.

Each game at the kindergarten has a clear educational goal. Some develop language skills, others help master the basics of math or science, and others foster emotional development. Most importantly, all tasks remain engaging and accessible for young children.

Thanks to this approach, children not only acquire knowledge but also develop a positive attitude toward learning itself. They understand that learning is not an obligation, but an exciting game in which each day brings new discoveries and vivid emotions.

The Role of Play in Developing Attention and Memory

Play activities have a significant impact on the development of cognitive skills. Participating in educational games helps children train their attention: they focus on rules, learn to wait their turn, and control impulses. These skills are important for future school learning.

Equally important is the effect of play on memory. Children memorize new words, numbers, or images more quickly when presented in the form of fun tasks. For example, learning poems may be accompanied by movements, and acquiring foreign words can involve songs or picture cards.

Play also stimulates the development of thinking: children learn to analyze, find solutions, and apply knowledge in new situations. In this way, simple and fun exercises become the foundation for significant learning achievements in the future.

Examples of Interactive Games

At MY HORIZONS kindergarten, interactive learning plays a special role. For example, language development is supported through role-playing games with dolls and cards. Children create dialogues, act out small scenes, and naturally develop their language skills.

Another popular format is active quests. Children search for a “lost treasure” while completing tasks involving math, logic, or memory. This combination of physical activity and intellectual challenges makes learning engaging and dynamic.

Creative games are also used: drawing, crafts, and musical improvisations. These activities not only develop imagination but also foster confidence in one’s abilities. Each game has a specific educational goal — to teach, develop, or reinforce skills — but for the child, it always feels like an exciting adventure.

Children’s Socialization: Developing Communication Skills

Socialization at MOYI OBRIYI Private Kindergarten

A child takes their first steps into the world of communication during the preschool years. Here, they learn to share toys, negotiate, express their opinions, and respect others. These seemingly simple moments form the foundation for future social skills and the ability to live harmoniously within a group. At MOYI OBRIYI Kindergarten, all conditions are created to ensure that children’s socialization happens naturally, easily, and effectively.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

Communication and Collaboration Development

Preschoolers interact daily in a variety of situations. During games, learning activities, or ordinary walks, children gain invaluable experience: they learn to listen to others, wait their turn, negotiate, and resolve conflicts without tears or arguments. At MOYI OBRIYI Kindergarten, special conditions are created to support this: children participate in group tasks where each has a role—from coloring a part of a shared picture to taking part in team sports games.

These activities not only develop communication skills but also foster a sense of teamwork. Children gradually understand that the success of a shared activity depends on everyone’s contribution, and their individual achievements become an important part of the overall result. This nurtures responsibility, mutual respect, and the ability to work in a team—fundamental skills for future school learning and life in general.

Teachers also pay special attention to developing the ability to express feelings with words. Children learn to say, “I like this,” “I want to try,” or “I feel sad” instead of reacting with tears or aggression.

As a result, children not only become more sociable but also gradually develop emotional intelligence—the ability to understand their own emotions, recognize others’ feelings, and build healthy relationships. These skills help children feel comfortable in a group and confidently take their first steps in social life.

The Role of Educators in Socialization

Educators at the “MOI OBRII” kindergarten serve as mentors and role models for children. They not only organize learning and play activities but also teach children etiquette, communication skills, and empathy. Each day at the kindergarten begins with a friendly morning circle, where children share their moods or plans, and the teacher helps set a positive atmosphere for the group.

An important aspect is also fostering a sense of mutual respect among children. Educators pay attention to every situation where a conflict arises and help children find solutions together. This approach not only cultivates tolerance but also shows children that every problem has a constructive solution.

Thanks to the care of educators, children’s socialization occurs in a friendly environment where everyone feels part of the community. This creates an atmosphere of trust, allowing children to express themselves more freely and confidently try new things.

The Importance of Parental Support

No educational program can be truly effective without family support. That is why “MOI OBRII” places special emphasis on partnership with parents. Regular meetings, consultations, and family events help create a unified system of upbringing, where the rules of the kindergarten continue at home.

Parents learn how to respond to their child’s first difficulties in social interaction, how to support them in resolving conflicts, or how to encourage friendship. For example, simple family discussions about the day help the child reflect again on experiences gained at the kindergarten and reinforce important lessons.

When parents and educators work together, the child experiences consistency and stability. This gives them confidence and fosters a positive attitude toward the group. This is how harmonious socialization occurs, forming a foundation for the child’s future life in society.

“My Horizons” Celebrates 10 Years: Education That Changes the Future

On September 1, 2015, a significant milestone was marked in the educational history of Khmelnytskyi — on this day, “My Horizons” first opened its doors to children. Only 13 students sat at their desks, and 16 little ones began their learning journey in the kindergarten. Although this start was modest in scale, it carried profound symbolic meaning: it was from this small community of students and teachers that a great story began — one filled with faith in the future, parental support, and the inexhaustible inspiration of educators.

It is important to note that from the very beginning, “My Horizons” became the first school in the region founded on Christian values. This not only defined the institution’s educational mission but also gave it a unique character that set it apart from other schools. Despite the incredibly rapid pace of construction, which lasted only 56 days, the school and kindergarten opened on time, demonstrating a high level of organization and team unity. From the very first days, children were welcomed into a safe, cozy, and nurturing environment where each of them could make their very first discoveries.

In the following years, “My Horizons” actively grew and evolved. Over the course of a decade, the institution went through several stages of transformation: from an educational complex to a gymnasium, and eventually into a modern lyceum. Each change became an important milestone that not only expanded educational opportunities for children but also emphasized consistency in pursuing the main goal — to create a space where high-quality knowledge is combined with spirituality and strong partnerships with parents and the community.

On September 1, 2018, “My Horizons” entered a new stage of development — the school opened its middle school classes. This was an important step forward that allowed children who had begun their studies in the primary grades to continue their journey in a familiar environment, surrounded by the same values and educational approaches. The expansion of the educational space made it possible to embrace a broader range of academic programs and to ensure a more holistic and continuous learning process.

Already in July 2019, the institution received a Level III license, which officially opened the opportunity for students of grades 10–12 to study. This decision became a recognition of the school’s high level of organization, the professionalism of its teachers, and its readiness to provide a full secondary education. The opening of the lyceum for senior students symbolized the transition of “My Horizons” from the status of a promising educational project to that of a mature academic center capable of shaping generations of future university students and professionals.

Today, Khmelnytskyi Lyceum “My Horizons”, together with two preschools — “My Horizons” and “My Horizons KinderLi” — operating under the patronage of the Spiritual Council of Khmelnytskyi, are recognized among parents and the wider community as some of the most respected and popular educational institutions in the region. This is a place where children receive not only high-quality knowledge but also an upbringing grounded in spiritual and moral principles, making their education both holistic and well-rounded.

The achievements of “My Horizons” have been repeatedly recognized at both the city and regional levels. The institution has consistently demonstrated high performance and was ranked among the Top 20 in the “School & Kindergarten” category — a clear sign of parental trust and the quality of its educational process. In addition, “My Horizons” took 3rd place among the best educational institutions in the city and 4th place among institutions in the region, confirming its status as one of the leading educational centers in the area.

Of particular note are the school’s unique accomplishments — two national records officially entered into the Book of World Records of Ukraine. These achievements became vivid evidence not only of the high level of organization of the educational process but also of the creativity, innovation, and ability of the team to go beyond standard approaches, creating truly unforgettable educational events.

The celebration of the 10th anniversary took place on September 1, 2025, at the Starytskyi Theater. The festive event brought together representatives of city and regional authorities, members of the Spiritual Council of Khmelnytskyi, partners, friends, and numerous guests. The atmosphere of the celebration was filled with pride for the achievements and gratitude to all who, throughout these years, have supported and contributed to the development of this unique educational concept.

This event became proof that over the course of a decade, “My Horizons” has transformed into a modern educational center where innovative teaching methods are harmoniously combined with spiritual values and genuine care for children. The anniversary marked not only the completion of the first important stage but also became a symbol of a new beginning, opening even broader horizons of growth and new opportunities for achievements in the future.

“My Horizons” Ranks Among the Top Three Lyceums of Khmelnytskyi in the NMT-2025 Results

The educational portal Education.ua has published its updated ranking of schools in Ukraine, an annual report that draws significant attention from parents, students, and educators. The list was compiled on the basis of the results of the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) 2025, which serves as the main criterion for objectively assessing graduates’ academic preparation. A total of 6,560 secondary schools from all regions of the country were included in the ranking; however, only those schools with senior classes and at least five students taking the NMT were considered. This approach ensured maximum transparency, as the test results directly reflect the quality of knowledge acquired throughout the school years.

In the overall list of schools in Khmelnytskyi, three institutions stood out by securing leading positions.

  • 1st place was awarded to Lyceum No. 1 named after Volodymyr Krasytskyi, with a score of 161.01 points.
  • 2nd place went to Khmelnytskyi Lyceum of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Council, with a score of 156.23 points.
  • 3rd place was taken by the private lyceum “My Horizons”, which achieved a score of 156.19 points, falling short of the second position by only a few hundredths of a point.

For the institution that celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, this achievement became an important symbol of recognition and clear proof that, within a relatively short period, “My Horizons” has succeeded in becoming an educational brand of both the city and the region.

Reaching the top three among dozens of schools in Khmelnytskyi is the result of many years of consistent effort. There are no accidental successes here: every figure in the ranking behind “My Horizons” reflects a systematic approach, the professionalism of teachers, and the diligence of students. From the very beginning, the lyceum has combined high academic standards with spiritual values and personal development, creating a truly unique learning environment. Students not only acquire solid subject knowledge — later confirmed by high NMT results — but also learn to think critically, show initiative, and take responsibility.

A special role in this success belongs to the teaching staff of “My Horizons.” Teachers do more than prepare children for tests; they instill a love for learning, foster curiosity, encourage teamwork, and nurture a sense of confidence in one’s own abilities. This is why lyceum graduates confidently pass national exams, demonstrating strong results that place the institution among the best. For parents, this serves as proof that their choice in favor of private education was the right one, as “My Horizons” ensures not only high-quality knowledge but also the all-round development of every child.

Equally important is the fact that the lyceum’s successes are recognized not only through official rankings but also by the students themselves and their parents. Graduates proudly speak about their school, emphasizing that it was at “My Horizons” that they built a solid foundation for university admission and future career achievements. Parents, in turn, note that the institution provides a safe and comfortable environment where their child feels confident and receives support not only in learning but also in life. All of this further strengthens trust in the lyceum, which has now officially secured its status as one of the strongest educational institutions in the city and region.

We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support, as together we are creating the best possible future for our children.

Psychological Support for Children: How We Help Them Adapt

Psychological Support for Children in a Private Kindergarten

Adaptation to kindergarten is an important yet challenging stage in every child’s life. A new environment, unfamiliar people, rules, and daily routines can cause anxiety or even stress. That is why it is so important for children to feel warmth, understanding, and support from adults from the very first days. At the private kindergarten MY HORIZONS, great attention is paid to creating a safe environment where children can adapt comfortably and gradually unlock their potential.

Development of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand one’s own feelings and those of others, as well as to express and manage them. For preschoolers, this is especially important, as they are just learning to recognize emotions and respond to them appropriately. At MY HORIZONS kindergarten, teachers and psychologists use special exercises and games that help children name their emotions and distinguish between “joy,” “sadness,” “anger,” or “surprise.”

The Importance of Learning Empathy

Learning empathy also plays a major role. Through fairy tales, role-playing, and team tasks, children learn to support each other, help a friend in a difficult situation, share, and wait for their turn. This work not only creates a friendly atmosphere in the group but also lays the foundation for social skills that will be valuable in the child’s future.

In addition, developing emotional intelligence fosters self-confidence. When a child knows that their feelings matter and are understood by adults, they become more open, calm, and ready to face new challenges.

Methods of Adapting Children to a Group

The first days in a new environment are always exciting and sometimes stressful. That is why gradual adaptation methods are applied at MY HORIZONS kindergarten. A child can initially attend the group for a short time accompanied by their parents, and later stay longer until they gradually get used to it. This helps reduce anxiety levels and makes the transition smoother.

An important element is psychological support from teachers. They create rituals that help children feel stability and safety: shared morning circles, familiar songs, or daily recurring games. Such predictability provides a sense of control and helps children adapt faster.

Group games are also actively used, where each child has their own role. This helps them feel part of a team, make friends quickly, and gradually integrate into the group. For more shy children, individual support methods are applied: more personal communication with the teacher and small tasks to build confidence.

Cooperation with Parents

A child’s adaptation to kindergarten is impossible without close cooperation with the family. The psychologist and teachers at MY HORIZONS kindergarten are always in touch with parents, offering advice on behavior at home, sharing observations, and helping them understand the child’s needs.

Regular consultations and meetings create a unified support system. For example, if a child experiences difficulties separating from their mother, teachers recommend small “goodbye rituals” — a hug, wishing a good day, or giving a small symbolic item the child can take with them. This provides a sense of safety and stability.

In addition, parents take part in themed workshops and meetings, where they discuss the development of emotional intelligence and parenting methods. This helps adults better understand children and, together with teachers, create an atmosphere of harmony and trust.

Physical Development and Sports Clubs for Children

Development of Physical Skills in Children

Physical development in preschool age is just as important as intellectual or creative development. Through movement, games, and sports, a child not only strengthens their health but also builds self-confidence, learns to interact with peers, and discovers their own abilities. At the private kindergarten “MOI OBRII”, physical activities are an integral part of the daily routine: they promote harmonious development, foster a love for activity, and help establish a healthy lifestyle.

Sports Clubs and Activities

At “MOI OBRII”, children’s physical development is considered an essential part of holistic education. Young children have the opportunity to attend a variety of sports clubs that take into account both their age and individual interests. These may include gymnastics, dance, football, yoga, or even swimming – depending on the group’s possibilities and the program offered.

It is important that all activities are structured in the form of play. This way, children are not overwhelmed with complex exercises but gradually and naturally get used to movement. Through playful activities, they strengthen their muscles, develop coordination, flexibility, endurance, and reaction speed. Coaches and educators are always nearby to encourage, guide, or praise them. Every small achievement becomes a big step forward and a source of joy for the children.

Special attention is given to an individual approach. Some children need extra support to develop endurance, others to gain confidence in their movements, and some require more space to express their energy and activity. Educators carefully observe these needs and adjust tasks so that every child feels comfortable. This approach allows children to grow not only physically strong but also psychologically confident, positively minded, and open to new achievements.

The Importance of an Active Lifestyle

Being active in childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime of health. Regular physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular function, and supports the immune system. Equally important, physical development also affects a child’s psychological well-being: active children concentrate more easily, learn new information faster, and become more organized.

At MOI OBRII, educators and teachers instill in children the understanding that a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary effort but a natural part of daily routine. Children learn that movement and sports bring enjoyment, not just benefits. This helps them perceive physical activity not as an obligation but as a favorite pastime.

When a child sees active adults as role models and participates in a variety of sports activities, they gradually learn a simple truth: taking care of oneself starts with movement.

Walks and Active Play

Daily walks and active games play a crucial role in physical development. At MOI OBRII, every child has plenty of time outdoors, where activity, relaxation, and exploration of nature are combined.

Walks turn into exciting adventures: children run, play classic team games, and collect natural materials for creative activities. This not only strengthens physical health but also fosters curiosity, inquisitiveness, and a love for the surrounding world.

Active games help develop social skills. Children learn to negotiate, follow rules, demonstrate leadership, or, conversely, support their friends. This creates an environment where every child feels like part of a team.

With this approach, sports, walks, and play become not only physical activity for children but also a valuable experience that shapes their personality.

Creative Development of a Child: Art Classes and Educational Games

Developing Children’s Creative Abilities

Every child is born with enormous potential that needs to be nurtured and supported. Developing creativity in preschool age plays a special role, as it is through art and play that children learn to express emotions, build imagination, and gain self-confidence. At MY HORIZONS private kindergarten, creativity is an integral part of the educational process: here children experiment, imagine, and create their own little masterpieces every day. This makes learning not a dry process, but an exciting journey of discovery.

Art Classes and Creative Projects

At MY HORIZONS, art classes take many forms: drawing, sculpting, collage, music, dance, and theatrical performances. Such a wide range allows every child to find the area where they feel most confident. Through drawing, children learn not only how to use a brush but also how to express their emotions. Sculpting and collage help develop fine motor skills, while music and dance foster rhythm and a sense of harmony.

Special attention is given to creative projects. These may include joint art exhibitions, fairy-tale performances, or themed installations. Each child takes part according to their interests and abilities — some paint scenery, others recite poems, while others play characters on stage. In this way, children learn teamwork, creativity, and how to bring a project to completion.

Art activities also serve as a wonderful tool for developing speech and emotional intelligence. Children share their impressions, explain their drawings, or describe how they feel about the music. This helps them better understand themselves and express their thoughts freely.

Educational Games as the Foundation of Learning

Preschool age is a time when play is the main way children explore the world. That’s why at MY HORIZONS kindergarten, educational games are actively used to combine learning with fun. Children engage in logical board games, building sets, and role-playing scenarios that help them acquire new knowledge.

These games develop attention, memory, imagination, and communication skills. For example, when building a tower out of blocks, a child not only practices fine motor skills but also learns to cooperate and negotiate with peers. During board games, they practice counting, following rules, and waiting for their turn.

Equally important is that play reduces stress and creates a positive emotional background. Even complex tasks presented in the form of a game are perceived by children as easy and enjoyable. This fosters a positive attitude toward learning as a whole.

Interactive Learning Through Play

At MY HORIZONS kindergarten, interactive methods that combine play with educational tasks are widely used. For example, children learn colors, counting, or new English words by completing movement-based activities, singing songs, or using bright flashcards. This approach allows knowledge to be absorbed naturally and with joy.

Interactive classes are conducted in small groups, giving every child the chance to actively participate. They learn to ask questions, share ideas, and interact with teachers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

What’s important is that interactive games not only develop intellectual abilities but also support socialization. Children learn to cooperate, listen to others, and share materials — building essential teamwork skills.

As a result, the combination of art classes, educational games, and interactive learning helps children at MY HORIZONS grow confident, creative, and ready to explore new horizons.

Individual approach from 1st grade: how it works in practice

First grade is not only a new start in education, but also the moment when a child first encounters the expectations of the adult world. That is why it is extremely important not to evaluate them according to general criteria, but to see the uniqueness in each one. At My Horizons, we understand that everyone has their own pace, their own character, and their own strengths. And it is thanks to this individual approach that they feel like a respected, understood, and supported personality rather than just a cog in the system.

Observation, adaptation, personal strategies

During the first weeks of school, our teachers do not just teach the material — they observe closely. How does the child react to new tasks? Do they feel confident among their peers? Do they need more time to express their opinion? Are they ready to take the initiative, or do they prefer to observe from the sidelines? For us, these are not trivial matters — they are important markers that help us see the child more deeply than the standard “passed/failed” scheme.

After a period of observation, the teacher develops a flexible strategy for interacting with each child. For some, it is important to have a clear algorithm of actions and repetition. Some need regular active breaks to maintain concentration. Some thrive in teamwork, while others prefer to think alone first. We do not force everyone to work the same way — we create conditions in which everyone can be themselves and grow at the same time.

All this happens unobtrusively, without diagnoses, labels, or comparisons. Our goal is for every first grader to feel that they are seen, respected, and taken into account. This is the best start for a confident path in learning.

Communication with parents is part of the process

Our individual approach begins long before the first bell rings — from the very first personal meeting with the family. We don’t just collect basic information about the child, we are genuinely interested in their world: what they like, how they react to new things, what worries them, what their day at home looks like. This is not a formal questionnaire — it is a warm, trusting conversation during which we begin to build a bridge of trust between the family and the school.

We maintain this connection throughout the school year. Teachers are always ready to discuss their observations, answer questions, and share successes or concerns. We do not focus on grades — we talk about the child’s development, progress, and emotional state. What inspires them? Where do they need more time? How can we support them at home to maintain trust and interest in learning?

A flexible environment for different rates of development

All children are different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. We build a learning environment where every child has the opportunity to grow at their own pace — without pressure, comparisons, or rushing. One student reads quickly but does not like being the center of attention. Another is eager to share their thoughts but needs more time to formulate a written answer. Some want to answer orally, others want to draw or express their ideas using a construction set. This freedom does not interfere with discipline — it strengthens confidence. And it is this confidence that leads to joyful learning.

We alternate between different formats of work: individual tasks and pair work, interactive lessons and quiet blocks, creative activity and logical thinking. This allows each child to express themselves in the way that suits them best.

We do not force some children to “keep up” with others, nor do we hold others back. We create an environment where there is no need to compete — it is enough to be yourself and move forward, building on what you are already good at. It is this dynamic that shapes internal motivation, rather than external pressure. We see the uniqueness of each child from day one — and help them reveal their strengths.