Early Years (ages 3-6)

Students gardening together in the school garden.

Welcome to Early Years at Amity International School Amsterdam: a place where curiosity is sparked, confidence is nurtured, and every child’s journey begins with joy and purpose.

From the moment your child walks through our doors, they enter a warm, inspiring environment designed to ignite imagination and a love of learning. Our youngest learners, aged 3 to 6, are encouraged to explore, question, and discover the world around them through meaningful, play-based experiences that feel both exciting and natural.

Curiosity. Confidence. Foundations for Learning. 

The Power of Play in Early Years

At Amity International School Amsterdam, we believe that play is the engine of learning in our Early Years programme. For children aged 3–5, play is not just a way to have fun: it is how they explore the world, develop essential skills, and build the foundations for lifelong learning. 

Through carefully designed, inquiry-led play experiences, children discover, experiment, and express themselves in ways that are both joyful and meaningful. 

Distinctive Approach to Play

  • Inquiry-Led Exploration – children ask questions, investigate materials, and explore concepts at their own pace, building curiosity and critical thinking 
  • Social & Emotional Development – through cooperative play, children learn empathy, negotiation, and collaboration, developing confidence and positive relationships 
  • Creativity & Imagination – play encourages storytelling, role-play, music, art and movement, fostering innovation and expressive skills 
  • Physical Development & Wellbeing – active play supports gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and a sense of agency in their own bodies 

 

Two students working together on a classroom drawing.

Beyond the Classroom 

Play at Amity extends into Forest School, outdoor learning, and exploratory environments, where children connect with nature, take safe risks, and develop resilience. These experiences strengthen problem-solving, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. 

We also integrate elements of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Inner Development Goals, and early Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into play, helping children connect their experiences to real-world contexts. 

Discover Forest School

Developing Holistic Learners

Through play, children cultivate: 

  • Communication Skills – sharing ideas, listening and negotiating with peers 
  • Thinking Skills – observing, experimenting, and solving problems creatively 
  • Self-Management Skills – taking initiative, managing emotions, and making choices 
Student pointing during a classroom activity.

Learning That Feels Like Play

At Amity, play is purposeful, engaging, and deeply connected to development. It is how children learn to wonder, learn to collaborate, and learn to grow—preparing them not just for school, but for life. 

This is play with purpose—where every child explores, discovers, and thrives. 

Frequently Asked Questions