by on 01/02/2024 6875
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Highlights |
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Small Wonder is a place that provokes creativity, fun and learning in a homely and harmonious environment, focusing on content-rich learning experiences. A place where each child is viewed as capable individuals and where qualified teachers passionately enable children to learn alongside one another. Above all, every moment of each child’s journey is treasured, as they learn about their world, grow and develop, and create happy memories.
The Small Wonder educational approach has attracted extensive parent attention and demand, including Japanese expatriates in the Saujana community, due to its holistic practices and incorporation of the latest evidence-based teaching methods. The philosophy is based on the principles of care, respect, acceptance, community and responsibility. Families are an integral part of the supportive community, one that encourages open communication and discussion. It is in the best interests of the children that parents work together and demonstrate the value of education to their children through participation in school activities.
The school operates across an open design format with spaces that are subdivided into well-defined learning areas. It creates a cooperative atmosphere that improves concentration and focus, and promotes the sharing of skills and ideas. There is a separate outdoor space, neatly lined with artificial turf and filled with gross motor equipment, to accommodate children’s play time.
Once children join Small Wonder, their days will be filled with adventures. They are encouraged to explore their richly resourced environment and learn within family orientated surroundings. The school sits wonderfully within a setting that compliments the values of learning with peers while achieving educational objectives.
While there is no such thing as a typical day with preschoolers, here is what the daily routine involves:
At the top of the day, a daily health screening will be performed upon the arrival of each child. To date, the school has a stellar record of hygiene standards and safety practices. Teachers connect with the children, while they put away their personal belongings and get ready for the planned programmes.
Each day is a new opportunity for learning, exploration and growth. Classes are carried out in small group settings. The programme is designed to encourage children’s natural love of learning with developmentally appropriate activities and teaching. Equitable opportunities enable children to confidently participate. The whole child focus, with language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, creates a foundation for school readiness.
Light snacks like sandwiches are provided by the school. To nurture independence, children clean the tables, sweep up and wash the dishes after they are done. As for lunch, children bring their own packed food and are encouraged to eat independently while practising good table manners.
Diverse small group activities, both indoors and outdoors, are incorporated into the curriculum to further develop children’s fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cooperation skills and conversation skills. Ample enriching learning opportunities are provided to actively stimulate children’s natural desire to explore their world. They are encouraged to discover new books, construct imaginary worlds with recycled materials, learn to cook and plant, and be engaged in a multitude of other hands-on interactive activities. Additionally, concert performances and experiential field trips allow children to learn more deeply and meaningfully.
Through on-going observations, reflection and collaboration, teachers at Small Wonder, Saujana Villa see it as their role and responsibility to ensure that children's learning is supported by meaningful experiences.
