Learning Approaches
1. Learning through Inquiry
Inquiry-based learning encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and explore topics that interest them. This approach fosters curiosity and helps children develop critical thinking skills.
2. Learning in Real-Life Contexts
Real-life contexts make learning relevant and meaningful for children. By connecting classroom activities to everyday life, children can see the practical applications of their learning, which enhances their understanding and retention of new concepts.
3. Learning through Exploration
Exploration allows children to engage with their environment and materials in a hands-on manner. This approach promotes autonomy and creativity, enabling children to discover and learn at their own pace.
4. Language Development
Language development is integral to all learning activities. Our programs emphasize communication skills, helping children to express themselves, understand others, and develop literacy skills through various interactive and engaging activities.
Instructional Strategies
Investigation and Exploration
During investigation and exploration, children have high autonomy. Teachers play a supportive role by observing, listening, and questioning to provide necessary guidance. The instructional strategy of scaffolding is used to support children’s learning, gradually increasing the complexity of tasks as their competence grows.
Guided Instruction
Guided instruction involves thoughtfully planned learning experiences led by teachers. While guiding the learning process, teachers remain flexible, adapting their strategies to leverage the alternatives and ideas generated by the children. This approach ensures that learning is both structured and responsive to children’s needs and interests.
Explicit Instruction
Explicit instruction is used to clarify specific steps, extend ideas in particular directions, or demonstrate skills that can be applied in broader contexts. This method helps children understand detailed processes and techniques, providing them with clear, direct guidance on how to achieve specific learning outcomes.
Assessment and Instruction
Assessment is fundamental to effective teaching and serves as the starting point for instruction in our playschool program. Our well-planned Kindergarten program offers numerous opportunities for ongoing observation and assessment of children’s strengths, needs, and interests. Based on this continuous assessment, teachers can:
- Plan Instruction: Tailoring instruction to help children build on what they know and extend their thinking.
- Support Individual Growth: Identifying each child’s unique learning path and providing the necessary support to facilitate progress.
- Adapt Teaching Strategies: Adjusting methods and approaches based on assessment data to ensure all children receive the most effective and appropriate instruction.
Conclusion
At 360° Kids Play School, our teaching and learning approaches are designed to provide a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. By balancing inquiry, real-life contexts, exploration, and language development with various instructional strategies, we create a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive. Continuous assessment ensures that our programs are responsive to the needs of each child, fostering a love of learning and laying the foundation for future academic success.