"Empowering Children Through 'I Can' statements" - Says, Sibi Fakih, Curriculum Lead, Kangaroo Kids International Preschool

In this interview, Sibi Fakih, Curriculum Lead, Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, shares insights into the award-winning curriculum that empowers young learners with future-ready skills, fosters creativity and promotes lifelong learning through innovative teaching methods and parental engagement.

What are the key innovations in the preschool curriculum that helped Kangaroo Kids win this award?

Our curriculum focuses on empowering children through 'I Can' statements, learner-friendly objectives that promote self-efficacy and a growth mindset. These help children take ownership of their learning journey and develop resilience and self-belief. We also integrate technology into our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) curriculum, preparing learners for the digital age with coding activities and interactive games via our SkippyTech app. 

Additionally, we offer a range of enrichment programmes like Project-Based Learning, Maker Space and Service Learning to ignite curiosity and creativity. Finally, we embed 15 essential Habits of Mind, such as persistence and metacognition, into daily activities to foster lifelong learning behaviours.  

Could you share any challenges you faced while introducing new elements into the curriculum and how you overcame them? 

One challenge was bridging traditional parental expectations with the skills children need for the 21 century. We engaged parents in the process, showing them the value of future-ready skills. Another challenge was enhancing teaching excellence through our iCan learning system, which emphasises facilitator development. We assess each facilitator’s strengths and provide training tailored to core competencies like instructional design and classroom management. 

Continuous improvement is also a key. We gather feedback from facilitators and learners, conduct classroom observations and refine the programme based on audits. 

Lastly, designing fluid learning environments that adapt to various activities was complex, but we developed innovative spaces like the Discovery Light Table and Multi Kiosk Activity Hut to support exploration and creativity. 

How do you involve parents and educators in understanding and supporting the innovative curriculum at Kangaroo Kids?

We see parents as vital partners. We hold orientation sessions to introduce them to our educational philosophy, ensuring they understand our approach. Throughout the year, we encourage active participation through events like International Day and community outreach programs. Our “Parent Conversations” sessions allow us to understand each child’s unique development and Learner-Led conferences empower children to share their progress. 

For educators, we use a phased approach to familiarise them with the iCan Learning System, starting with foundational knowledge and moving toward becoming "thinking teachers" who foster critical thinking in their learners. We also provide ongoing mentorship, workshops and reflection tools to support their growth.  

What future trends do you see in early childhood education and how is Kangaroo Kids preparing for them?

Kangaroo Kids envisions the future of education as a dynamic space and we see the growing importance of adaptability, problem-solving and creativity. Traditional knowledge-based education is no longer enough. At Kangaroo Kids, we prepare children for this future by nurturing essential skills—both technical and soft and fostering mindsets like resilience, empathy and innovation. 

We want our learners to not only succeed in school but to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By focusing on lifelong learning, we are equipping them to adapt to careers and industries that don’t even exist yet.