Learning through involvement
The centre uses the central thematic curriculum but emphasises on children learning through participation. Children do not just sit and listen to their teachers talking about the topic or learn through flashcards and charts. They are involved in the learning process through games and creative teaching methods planned by the teachers. For example, instead of learning Chinese words through flashcards, they learnt and recognised the words by ‘fishing’ for them as they are being called up by the teacher.
Centralised Learning Corners
Another unique feature of this centre is the centralised learning corners. These corners are set up in a designated room and rostered to be used by the different K1 and K2 classes. The teachers worked as a team to set up the corners with theme-related materials. They discussed and brainstormed regularly on how to make the corners interesting and appropriate for each theme.
This arrangement helps to pull resources, learning materials and manpower, together and reduce duplication. The teachers can help one another and there are more people available to help in the setting up of the corners with each changing theme.
For this innovative idea and the good team work, the centre won the Good Practice Team Award in 2012.
Collaborations that extend beyond children’s education
The centre embarked on two interesting collaborations with Hort Park and HDB which benefited more people than just the children from the centre.
At Hort Park, the children learnt to pot a plant and were encouraged to ‘visit’ their plants with their parents to watch how they have grown. This activity not only helped children to learn the science of planting, it also encouraged parents to get involved with what their children have done and to appreciate what the park has to offer.
In the other project, children from the centre expressed their creativity by drawing on canvas provided by HDB. Their creative works were then displayed at the lift lobby of the block where the centre is situated. This built a sense of belonging to the community and brought those staying at the block and its vicinity to bond over these works.
New Facility
Parents and children can look forward to a new gym cum music room in 2013. It will be equipped with brand new equipment and more programmes to develop children’s motor and creative skills can be planned.
