Ramesha Backelandt of Bayview House of Children discusses how best to nurture curious young minds
Ramesha Backelandt of Bayview House of Children discusses how best to nurture curious young minds
As a parent, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right preschool for your child. Early education is not just about what children learn; it’s about how they learn. The methodology and environment in which your child starts their educational journey can have a profound and lasting impact. In each present moment, children learn about themselves, others and the world around them.
Each child is unique, and not all children learn in the same way or at the same pace. Preschools that embrace multi-age classrooms allow children to work at their own level and pace, fostering a sense of individuality and self-paced growth.
THE ROLE OF PLAY
The phrase “learning through play” is a familiar one in early childhood education, but it’s not without controversies. Some parents wonder whether their children are really learning when they’re playing all day. The truth is that children learn best through the process of play. As one expert puts it, “Young children are naturally curious, and play builds on that curiosity, helping them explore the world around them, build their knowledge and develop their skills.”
The Morden preschool programs, for example, take a “playful learning” approach, teaching early academic and social-emotional skills through play and exploration. Teachers play a pivotal role in cultivating a learner’s attitude before introducing a formal curriculum. There’s a significant difference between “surface learning,” which involves memorising key facts, and “deep learning,” which entails applying and understanding knowledge through real-world experiences.
Spending ample time outdoors, rain or shine, is another key aspect of early childhood education. Research supports the numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, a strong connection with nature and better mental health.
Gardening with children is much more than nurturing plants; it’s a holistic and creative learning experience that encompasses a myriad of valuable life skills. This hands-on activity allows children to explore the natural world and connect with the earth in a tangible and immersive way. When gardening, children are faced with choices – from selecting what to plant to deciding when and how much to water – this cultivates decision-making skills, while encouraging critical thinking and a sense of responsibility. Gardening also serves as an engaging platform for foundational math and science skills, since it involves measurements, counting and observation.
As young gardeners watch their plants grow from seeds, they learn the virtue of patience and the reward of delayed gratification, essential life skills that will serve them well. Moreover, gardening instils a profound connection to nature, nurturing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, which can translate into a lifelong bond with the environment.
A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE
Early childhood education and care are foundational building blocks that equip children with the competencies they’ll need for the future. In a rapidly changing world dominated by concepts like “artificial intelligence,” “big data,” and “the Internet of things,” the competencies of the future must be holistic, encompassing knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.
As you embark on the journey of choosing a preschool, consider these factors and find an institution that values play, social-emotional learning and customised education. Your child’s early experiences will shape their lifelong love for learning and set the stage for a bright and promising future.
Bayview House of Children has provided services in DB North for the past decade. To find out more and enrol your child, call 6114 2436 or visit www.bayview.hk.