In these days when competition is tough everywhere, getting your child a good start with the best education possible is quite a challenge in itself. How do you decide what’s best for your little one? Which pre-school offers a holistic learning experience for your toddler stepping out for his first lessons that will be taught in a classroom?
The best school
While each family has its own parameters to decide on the best pre-school for their children, it’s not uncommon to see parents exchange notes on different schools. Common pointers include teachers, syllabus, method of teaching and play equipment.
Now imagine a school with a large open space, a child friendly play area, farm animals to keep them company (the nursery rhyme ‘Old Mac Donald had a farm’ will actually come alive as kids can see the animals around!), a pony ride to inculcate confidence, lessons on nature learnt by observing plants, trees and butterflies in the garden, sitting in class on a rainy day watching the raindrops go pitter-patter on the window panes... children can have so much fun and going to school will no more mean teary, clingy goodbyes to mamma.
New space
Such a school is now available right here in Yelahanka, near Jakkur lake. First Steps Nursery located on Cunningham Crescent Road, has completed 22 years and by way of expansion, has announced a school near Jakkur. Admissions are open for pre-schoolers, between two and five years. The new school aims to be ‘a home away from home’, which is nestled on a three-acre farm amidst verdant green surroundings with ample play area and fresh air.
Among the activities being offered are cycling, climbing a rope ladder, a small tree house, raking hay, pushing a wheel barrow, swings, see-saws, etc., which are aimed at developing physical coordination which develop neural pathways in the brain. The animals on the farm and the music hours have been put in place to aid listening skills, which later help sharpen the ability with the written word. Gardening, playing with clay, etc have been added to hep improve kids’ ability to relate socially, while activities like shelling peas, picking shells, painting and paper cutting will be taken up to improve finger dexterity. Story sessions have been planned to help build confidence and encourage initiative.
Learning through play
School authorities told Metrolife the aim of the new school is to provide learning through play with all the elements of nature. The children will get to learn about concepts like windmills, solar energy, water falls and how water can be used to generate power, and coexistence with animals as animals teach children compassion.
Teachers trained by First Steps and by Teacher Foundation will help build analytical and thinking skills, without laying any stress on writing or rote learning.
Imaginative skills among children are very low these days as parents are always directing them from one activity to another, from one set of rules to another, the school authorities said, adding, the new school will provide a secure and happy environment for children, where emphasis will be on letting them enjoy their childhood. The school’s policy is “not to give up on any child”. It also believes that it is a teacher’s job to understand a child and then guide him/her appropriately according to aptitude.
The school will be formally launched on August 23. A visit to the premises will leave you yearning for a journey back to your own childhood. For details on the school call: 93437-98399/ 98864-97116.