June 2002 will see a New Generation one-of-a-kind pre-school on the Koramangala horizon, aimed at sprightly two and half to three and half year old kids, with curious minds and gleaming eyes leaning heavily towards the love for learning. Aptly called "Stepping Stones" the focus will be on the development of the whole child. The programme includes activities that develop language and literacy skills, basic number concepts, simple science concepts, social skills, creative and problem solving skills, appreciation of music, physical education and outdoor play, etc. The system prepares children to think, speak, read and comprehend better. So, you might as well ask the question, "Why does my child need to follow a such a system of learning that's American, when I live here in India?"
Well, drive up to 13th Main in 3rd Block Koramangala and meet with Seetha Krishnaraj and Satish Krishnaraj, the school founders, both educated in Karnataka before moving to the US where they lived for over a decade. Satish is an experienced Software Engineer and Seetha has extensive experience as a pre-school teacher in a prestigious school in the US. They'll be too happy to answer your questions, however tricky they may be.
And in the meanwhile, let's give you an overview of "Stepping Stones"; a school, which lays emphasis not just on academics, but also on the overall development of the child's personality.
The System called 'Phonics'...
The phonics system has been extensively researched and time-tested. It serves all children including those from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. So, it's not that it's just suitable for kids whose mother tongue is English. The system works for all children - Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Indian, etc.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Washington, all children must know their ABCs and the sounds that letters make in order to communicate verbally. And this can happen only with an understanding of phonics. The question in early childhood programs is not whether to teach phonics or whole language learning, but how to teach phonics in context - rather than in isolation - so that children make connections between letters, sounds and a meaning. The key is to have a balanced approach and attention to each child's individual needs.
Some teachers worry that encouraging children to learn through experience and invent their own spellings will not provide them adequate language skills. But literacy is not so much a skill as a complex activity that involves reading, writing and oral language. Ideally, children should develop literacy through real life settings as they read together with parents or other caring adults. Children begin to make connections between printed words and their representations in the world.
Explains Seetha, "Phonics will give children the tools and teach them the clues. Once they know these tools they'll know how to break down the sounds for spelling, how to put it together for reading and they will be able to read any material."
Children may learn to read and write at different paces during the initial stages. And it's here that parents and teachers work together and demonstrate mutual respect to reinforce children's learning at home and in the classroom.
Why "STEPPING STONES"...
Listen to what Seetha Krishnaraj has to say. "The most significant aspect will be the age group - two and half to three and half years. This means children will have the same level of comprehension and will relate to one another." The other obvious difference will be the curriculum. They will have a worksheet either in phonics, logic or maths. The idea is to have children discuss their work with parents who would quiz them and perhaps, guide the child by adding their bit to the concept. It also serves as a repetition for them to remember what they learnt in school, better.
At Stepping Stones the methodology will be in helping and guiding the kids through creativity and free exploration. "We let the children pick what they want to play with and we guide them how to use it better. Let's say a child picks a puzzle to play with, we'll tell them what the puzzle is about, show them a little bit and then let them try and fit the pieces in," adds Seetha.
Discipline and structure is critical to the child's development and at Stepping Stones this will form an important part of the curriculum. Educational videos, exposure to computers is all part of the structure that Seetha has incorporated into the curriculum. The school boasts of a state-of-the-art communication room and a computer lab stacked with a host of CDs and software, which will allow children to explore and learn as much as they can. "Even if they can accomplish just the mouse skills that's a big accomplishment. It's important that they overcome their inhibitions about anything," explains Seetha.
For Further Details Contact:
Stepping Stones International School
No.392, 13th Main, 2nd Cross, 3rd Block, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034
Phone: 5501333. Email: info@ssi-school.com
Website : www.ssi-school.com | |
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