Pre-Kindergarten

Learning to Read

Learning to read is not a skill that develops naturally—it must be taught explicitly. The first step is understanding that words are made up of individual speech sounds, known as phonemes. Phonemic awareness is a well-researched predictor of later reading success. At TASIS Portugal, Pre-Kindergarten students develop phonological awareness skills in a fun and engaging way using the Heggerty Curriculum™. These early years provide students with a strong foundation in reading skills that supports long-term literacy development and academic success.

Social-Emotional Learning

Self-regulation—the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors—is a strong predictor of both academic and social success. During the Pre-Kindergarten years, TASIS Portugal places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, including self-regulation (guided by the ELLI framework), mindfulness, and the development of a growth mindset. For students who require additional support, the school provides access to a dedicated pastoral team that includes an experienced school counselor.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

In Pre-Kindergarten, students participate in a wide range of activities designed to develop fine motor skills, including building, drawing, painting, and working with manipulatives. The program also places a strong emphasis on handwriting development using Handwriting Without Tears™, a curriculum designed by an occupational therapist to build confidence and foundational writing skills.

Gross motor development is supported through physical education, dance, yoga, and outdoor exploration. Students also benefit from a variety of active after-school activities and regular opportunities to engage with nature through forest school experiences.

English Immersion

For students who are not yet fluent in English, Pre-Kindergarten provides an English immersion environment that supports early language acquisition within an international school setting. Multilingual co-teachers and assistants help ensure rapid and confident English language development. For students who may require continued language support as they transition into Elementary School, a dedicated student support team works closely with families to help students achieve proficiency, typically within an average of two years.