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Program and Centre Features
The most important goal of our early childhood
program is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means
encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to
try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to help
children become independent, self confident, inquisitive learners. We teach them
HOW to learn, not just in kindergarten, but all through their lives. We allow
them to learn at their own pace, and in the ways that are best for them. We aim
to develop habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves,
that will make a difference throughout their lives.
Our program focuses on the philosophy that
much of what children learn is through play. At Thomson Kindergarten we
recognise the value of free play by providing both the time and environment for
active participation in it. We encourage play that is voluntary, creative and
innovative, as well as a play environment that provides the children with
endless opportunities for the exploration of emotions, relationships, and gender
identity, as well as a chance to practice and trial language and communication
skills. The staff at Thomson respect that a child’s play is often a reflection
of his or her own life experiences, providing a way for the child to make sense
of, and explore the world around him/her. By encouraging a child’s play we are
encouraging and responding to the child as an individual, as well as providing
an environment that encourages self-motivated play, discussion and positive
social interactions. Children need to have the opportunity to imagine, wonder,
explore, create, manipulate, discover, practice, reflect, evaluate, laugh, sing,
move their bodies and resolve conflicts. Active participation in free play at
Thomson Kindergarten provides this opportunity. |
