YCIS Educators Series - How a child-centred approach helps prepare your children for future challenges

YCIS is proud to present an educational webinar that we partnered with The Standard, as part of our YCIS Educators series. Let’s hear from our Co-Principal and Educators, on the importance of play in early childhood education, and how an emergent curriculum is constructive for the development of your child.

Early childhood education is more than preparation for primary school. YCIS respects and regards each child as a unique individual. Therefore, a child-centred approach is essential to adapt to a learner’s strengths and weaknesses, whereby they reach the full potential in cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

In this video you will gain a deeper understanding of:

Importance of Early Childhood Development: 90% of Brain Development is completed in the first 3 years of a child’s life. Learning and development are the most important in the early and crucial years. 

Play-based Learning: “Play” inspires children’s potential, liberates young children’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Learning is initiated and led by children on what interests them, while teachers support children’s play, and extend their learning.

Literacy Development: Reading and Writing are also taught through play. YCIS’s learning spaces are filled with materials that encourage children to read and write.

Play-based vs Academic-based approach: Children from play-based training are more creative and engaged than those from academic-based training. Our teaching is designed based on children’s interests and daily lives, instead of formal, planned classes.

Child-centred approach: Flexible learning activities are designed according to individual interests, needs and impetus. Children are acknowledged and respected as an individual and encouraged to explore on their own and make their own choices. Self-awareness and Reassurance are developed in a safe environment.

Emergent Curriculum: Children are being observed and listened to, so activities of high-interest could be woven into teaching. It is a reflective programme where teachers collaborate together and share observations, and respond through teaching. Learning spaces are adapted and decorated with open materials according to children’s interests which motivate proactive learning and encourage creativeness.

YCIS’s Co-teaching Model: It offers an immersive Bilingual Environment to children. There are a local and a western teacher collaborating closely together all the time in each class. 

Importance of close Teacher-Child Relationship: Teachers know each student well and are able to construe learning experiences that fit best for each child. To assess each students’ learning progress, a portfolio is kept for their individual development path and shared regularly with parents.

Support for Parents:  YCIS adopts an open door policy and encourages school visits in order to communicate with families. We also offer platforms for parents and caretakers to share their parenting journeys, such as book clubs and fellowships.

Transition to Primary: Being a through-train school, YCIS establishes a strong partnership between Early Childhood Education and Primary Section to ensure a smooth transition as one school.