One of the most exciting moments as a parent is getting a glimpse into your child’s school life. At the international school, parents have one or two opportunities each year to observe and participate in open classes, where we can watch our children’s lessons firsthand.

These moments are not just about observing – they are about interaction. Children love showing what they’ve learned, explaining concepts in their own words, and engaging with their parents in the learning process.

🦖A Dinosaur Adventure: Learning Together

Shortly after the school year began, we had an open class focused on dinosaurs. Parents and children worked together on a fossil excavation activity and walked around the school searching for QR codes leading to dinosaur-related questions.

It was fascinating to participate in a lesson with my child, seeing firsthand how they engage with their studies. The class was both structured and free-flowing, allowing students to explore their curiosity naturally. The teacher skillfully encouraged participation, making the children feel confident and excited about their learning.

A Different Kind of Performance: Freedom Over Perfection

At this school, children in Nursery and Reception classes perform songs and dances for their parents, but the approach is quite different from what I experienced in South Korea when my eldest child attended kindergarten.

In Korean kindergartens, performances are meticulously rehearsed, costumes are elaborate, and every movement is polished to perfection. While these performances are impressive, they require significant practice and discipline from a young age.

However, at this international school, the focus was on the joy of expression rather than precision. The teachers did not enforce rigorous rehearsals, allowing the children to perform naturally. Their costumes were simple—black or white clothes with minimal decorations—creating a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere. The performance was unpolished, but that made it even more enjoyable. It felt genuine, spontaneous, and full of personality.

💡 Reflections: A Parent’s Takeaway

This experience gave me a new perspective on how different educational approaches shape children’s confidence and creativity. Seeing my child happily participating without pressure made me appreciate the balance between structured learning and freedom of expression.

As parents, we often focus on results—how well our children perform or how much they excel. But sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from simply allowing them to explore, express, and enjoy the moment.

I look forward to the next open class, eager to see more of my child’s growth in this unique learning environment.