By Iker Lyric
Having a little one can be stressful, especially when it is time for them to enter the classroom. Will they enjoy their time? How can you foster a love of learning? How do you know which type of program might be best for them? Here will we outline some of the most common programmes for younger students and their various benefits.
Montessori Style
Many people have likely seen Montessori schools and not fully realized what the philosophy is behind the school itself. This method was developed in Italy in the late 1880s and is still widely used around the world. Learning is spontaneous here, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. It is very natural and hands-on to help draw on a child’s curiosity.
Play-Based Learning
As the name implies, this learning takes place through play. The main idea behind this is that when children are in an interesting environment, they will interact with the materials around them, and in doing so, learn. If you are looking for an international preschool in Bangkok with this type of learning, many schools are starting to turn towards play-based learning. This requires a well-planned classroom from the teacher to help further stimulate children’s interest and engagement.
Reggio Emilia
Like Montessori, these schools also hail from Italy. Many schools adopt these curriculums. There is an emphasis on exploration, where students participate in projects and collaborative efforts with one another. Students cooperate to help see the importance of communication and community while developing their self-expression.
Waldorf
This program comes from Australia but is also widely used worldwide. Waldorf aims to nurture a child’s interests based on creative and hands-on learning, typically done within a group setting. Children become established in both daily and weekly routines and a structured environment. This is a teacher-directed style of instruction.
No matter the type of program, all aim for the same end-goal—to foster a love of learning with children and help create life-long learners. At such a young age, it’s most important to show students how to love education so that they may carry this love throughout their school career. Some depend entirely on the students with the teacher acting as a guide, while others require more direct instruction from the teacher. The parent needs to decide which style of learning will best suit their child.
