Sponsored Post: Over recent years, there have been numerous studies on the importance of a more holistic approach to education. “…early childhood educators are being challenged to incorporate a teaching practice that focuses less on the traditional milestones of academic development, and more on the complete physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of a child. (Raise Learning March 2012).
Back in 1991 the Pennsylvania State and Duke University, started what was to be a 20 year study into the correlation between children’s social skills in kindergarten and their success in early adulthood. By using everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning up or making choices, children develop many attributes that MAGART has developed as part of its ‘Learning Tree’ approach. Studies have consistently stated that “Through practical life exercises, each child can develop self-confidence, independence, and the ability to face new challenges which help them prepare for reading, writing, and other advanced ways of learning.” (Whole Child Education).
Khardine Rendall, Director of School Development at MAGART, stated that “Our Learning Tree summarizes many of the attributes we nurture in our children to develop and embody during their MAGART learning journey and beyond. From respect, appreciation and confidence, to love, kindness, wisdom and acceptance; our balanced curriculum prepares our children academically and personally for a lifelong love of learning and success in their continued learning journey.”
Decision making and collaborating are key factors within a child’s development. Whether it is choosing clothes for the day or deciding if they want vanilla or chocolate ice cream, being part of the process encourages children to recognise the difference between making good and bad decisions and the consequences of their choices.
For any parent visiting MAGART, they will clearly see that the strong Reggio Emilia and inquiry influences bring in abundant elements of nature and an inspiring environment and quality resources for our children to explore and develop creativity, confidence and lifelong learning skills. Paul Tough (How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character), talks about this most often “What matters most in a child’s development, they say, is not how much information we can stuff into her brain in the first few years. What matters, instead, is whether we are able to help her develop a very different set of qualities, a list that includes persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit and self-confidence.”
“We provide many choices and opportunities for our children to explore different interests and develop specific skills.” highlights Rendall,“We offer various extra-curricular activities such as Little Artists and Little Scientists, as well as ceramics, language enhancement (English or Putonghua) and junior tai chi; we are certain there is something for everyone to enjoy!”
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