The Pre-Primary Section of our school is a melting pot of 'magical' moments and joyous learning experiences, wherein each little Goenkan is enveloped in lots of unconditional love and care. As our little ones step into the portals of our school, they are empowered with tools that not only draw out their dormant talent and skills, but also enhance their self esteem and develop their potential as human beings. Each member of the school community takes immense pride in the fact that for our little ones, their school is a home away from home.
Experiential learning is the hallmark of the holistic education that we provide to our students. Each activity pursued by them is explicitly related to a specific learning outcome. The projection of the 'thematic approach' to teaching and learning is emphasized, so that various academic areas are taught in an interdisciplinary manner, making them relevant to the child's development.
INTEGRATED THEMATIC CURRICULUM
The Learning First curriculum follows a Thematic Integrated Approach to learning. This approach allows for learning to take place in a seamless manner without being bound by compartments of subjects. It allows literacy to grow progressively, with vocabulary linked and with spelling and sentence writing being frequently, yet smoothly, reinforced. It guides connected ideas to follow on easily.
It is, after all, how we, as adults, learn new things. Don’t we start at a point of interest and branch out from it like ripples from a stone thrown in the water?
Research has shown that this greatly enhances learning because it integrates different intelligences and topics into a single lesson which mirrors how children actually learn. It meaningfully links different disciplines so that students can develop deeper knowledge about a few ‘big ideas’ rather than a superficial knowledge of several topics learnt in isolation.
A common theme keeps students focused on a broad concept while touching on specific knowledge and skills throughout. Thematic units, very simply, integrates content areas in a way that makes sense to children and helps them establish connections of the knowledge they acquire and apply it in a meaningful way. Themes chosen are those which are very close to children and with which they can easily relate to. It provides ample opportunities for the child to explore, read, write, apply and construct learning.
ACTIVITIES
Each activity conducted in the Pre Primary section, influences all aspects of a child’s growth and development, so that he or she can face the world with courage and confidence.
Our aim at G.D.Goenka is to provide every student enough opportunities to polish his/her talents and skills. Show 'n' Tell activity gives a platform to all the students to build their confidence.
Taekwondo is an integral part of the curriculum. Regular displays and belt tests ensure the healthy growth of our children.
The Junior Sports India has devised a special programme to develop the physical milestones of each age group. Physical Education is imparted on a regular basis.
We have also introduced new software ‘Nayi Disha’ which caters to educational computer games for pre-school children to make learning fun and more engaging using motion sensing technology. These games are fundamentally based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.
Regular trips, excursions, fulfilled games and activities are planned for our Goenkans and they have fun in a new environment and gain confidence while they do so.
Our little scholars are curious and intelligent. We provide them the impetus to forge ahead and learn as they discover and explore. Our ‘Budding Goenkans’ participate in ‘Eureka’ and ‘Atulya Bharat’ the Annual science and social science Exhibition of the junior section. Each little one enthralls the audience as they speak about their models and experiments.
FACILITIES AT PRE-PRIMARY
• We have large splash pool, skating rink and a large playground.
• Class rooms are bright, colorful and are complimented by theme based wall paintings.
• The school has also provided an Activity Room and a Resource Room with audio visual facilities, doll house, workstation, mini Library and Toy Corner to enhance the child’s joy and interest in learning.
In conclusion, it is important to note that the academic structure and its curriculum in the Pre Primary Section of our school is an earnest attempt to introduce activity based thematic learning in the classroom. It is backed by the ‘developmental theory’ and is replete with ample activities. The entire process is an exciting voyage of self discovery and learning and is truly child centered.
All the activities pursued are highly enjoyable and graded carefully keeping in mind the age group and the child’s mental and physical abilities. For the child it ensures a stress free childhood, making learning enriching in the most impressionable years, thereby building a skill based foundation which will enable each little Goenkan to cope with the future with immense confidence and fortitude and help them to emerge as true global citizens.