KIDS GUIDE 2021

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

Play and Learn

#3 Montessori Education • Developed by Italian Maria Montessori in the early 1900s with the aim of cultivating a child’s own natural desire to learn and absorb information. • Characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. • Curriculum is broad-based, and classrooms provide a prepared environment that facilitates and maximises independent learning and exploration. #4 Waldorf / Steiner • Humanistic approach to education based on the philosophy of Austrian Rudolf Steiner. • Learning is interdisciplinary, integrating practical, artistic and conceptual elements, and emphasising the role of the imagination to develop both creative and analytical thinking. • In early childhood, learning is largely experiential, imitative and sensory, with an emphasis on learning through practical activities. #5 Reggio Emilia • An educational philosophy that started in a village of the same name in Italy after WWII, and focused on preschool and primary education. • Villagers created a self-guided curriculum based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on children’s interests. • Parents are a vital component of the philosophy; they’re viewed as partners, collaborators and advocates for their children.

Preschools in Singapore have different educational approaches. Visit a fewbefore deciding which approach is best suited to your child’s temperament and interests. #1 Play-based Approach • Long, uninterrupted periods of open- ended play where children follow their own interests, initiate activities and are self-directed with the teachers’ support. • Allows children to explore and enhance their ability to tackle problems, be independent, socialise, and develop knowledge, self-esteem, fine and gross motor skills, and skills in language, literacy, maths and science. #2 Project Approach • Hands-on, interactive style of education that builds on children’s natural curiosity, enabling them to interact, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate and reflect. • Focuses on active participation in real learning based on children’s interests and abilities. • Projects don’t constitute the whole curriculum but are used in conjunction withmore traditional teachingmethods.

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