Early Year Programme from Playgroup to Prep
Pre-school at VLC is characterised by days of dependable routine and structure, cozy and calming classrooms with an emphasis on the use of natural materials, and a friendly and familiar atmosphere which provides children with a sense of security and belonging. Pre-school aged children are developing self-regulation, the ability to use words to express wants, needs, and feelings with both adults and peers, and to listen to the words of others as they develop vocabulary. They are also learning to engage in group discussions, to wait for their turn, to do things for themselves independently, and to follow basic directions.
We meet these academic and social developmental needs within the context of our carefully designed spaces as a learning environment that it is both inviting and easily navigable for children. There is no visual clutter, and the space is organized into clearly defined learning areas that are aesthetically pleasing, with cool and subtle colours and open spaces to avoid any feelings of overwhelm. We follow the innovative, in-house developed SNAP (stories, nature, art and play) curriculum that is hands-on, highly engaging, and authentic to the child's own interests and purposes.
The innovative SNAP (stories, nature, art and play) curriculum of this play-based, literacy-rich environment allows children to thrive and develop according to age-appropriate milestones that have been set out in accordance with EYFS learning outcomes. Having an emergent curriculum ensures that pedagogical practices always remain child-centric, allowing educators to collaborate with, and not dictate to, children on their learning processes - this is how they thrive! It also allows for children's natural curiosity to continually remain stoked - which is the foundation to achievement!
Children are also encouraged to unleash their creativity through outlets such as art, music, sensory activities and pretend play. Being exposed to nature is also a crucial part of daily activities. Whether it’s through outdoor play, gardening, or even playing with school pets, we aim to help children develop a healthy relationship with their environment.
The innovative SNAP (stories, nature, art and play) curriculum of this play-based, literacy-rich environment allows children to thrive and develop according to age appropriate milestones that have been set out in accordance with EYFS learning outcomes. Having an emergent curriculum ensures that pedagogical practices always remain child-centric, allowing educators to collaborate with, and not dictate to, children on their learning processes. Children are also encouraged to unleash their creativity through outlets such as art, music, sensory activities and pretend play. Being exposed to nature is also a crucial part of daily activities. Whether it’s through outdoor play, gardening, or even playing with school pets, we aim to help children develop a healthy relationship with their environment. We also encourage mixed-age learning amongst the children, as such interactions provide a platform for children to hone and develop their personal and social skills.
Storytime, music, art, sensory acivities, pretend play, movement and yoga all provide healthy outlets for communication. Teachers are trained to encourage individual ideas and problem solving skills, rather than a set method for approaching activities.
Real-life skills help children navigate their place in the world. Hand washing, cleaning up toys, helping prepare for snack time, composting leftover food, tidying up art materials and similar everyday tasks help children develop confidence in their own abilities and a sense of ownership of their school.
While children have years to acquaint themselves with traditional academic skills, the first seven years are critical for the development of healthy emotional and social skills. Children at VLC are taught respect, empathy and responsibility through role modelling by adults.
Exposure to nature is an important element of life at VLC, regardless of weather or time of year. Through outdoor play, gardening, caring for the school pets, creating art with natural materials and our cooking and nutrition program, a healthy relationship with the environment is encouraged.
In early childhood settings, play is the vehicle children use to organise and understand the world around them. In allowing children free reign to engage with objects, people, and their immediate surroundings, we give the children opportunities to explore, create meaning, resolve conflicts and exercise their creative faculties.
