“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- Nelson Mandela-
The Delhi Public School Sushant Lok Early Years program is a balanced play and activity-based program which provides an invigorating environment for the language, intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of the child between the ages 2.5 years to 6.5 years. We aim to formulate a complete educational strategy that aims to develop physical, intellectual, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities in kids. It seeks to enhance these skills in the early stage of life, which will prepare them to meet the challenges and difficulties of daily life in the future. Our program recognizes that sensitive psycho-social stimulation, emotional security, play and social interactions are defining parts of children’s early experiences and hence is a child-centered format catering to individual learning needs of children, thereby giving ample opportunities to hone their Multiple Intelligences. An adequate one teacher to every 16 students enables a smooth flow of learning.
We believe…
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach we believe that children form their own personalities during the early years of development and that they are endowed with ‘a hundred languages’.
The teacher is considered a co-learners and collaborators with the child and not just instructors. They are encouraged to facilitate the child's learning by planning activities and lessons based on the child's interests, asking questions to deepen understanding, and actively engaging in the activities alongside the child rather than passively observing.
As concrete thinkers, children express themselves through various languages such as art, music, and drama, encouraging learning through experiences like listening, moving, touching, and observing. This approach makes children happy, keen, interested, and fosters a lifelong love for learning.
Best Practices
Instructional Scaffolding
Guiding the earliest steps of learning, instructional scaffolding for pre-primary students is like a supportive handrail for young minds. Our educators provide just the right level of assistance, gradually withdrawing support as children gain confidence. This personalized approach nurtures cognitive development, ensuring a sturdy foundation for future learning. Through carefully crafted experiences, we empower our young learners to ascend the ladder of knowledge, building both competence and independence.
Brain Gym
Energizing young minds, Brain Gym for pre-primary students is a dynamic fusion of movement and learning. As educator Paul Dennison rightly puts it, 'Movement is the door to learning.' These exercises, designed to enhance bilateral skills and concentration, create a playful space where children flourish. By incorporating Brain Gym into our curriculum, we stimulate both body and mind, laying the groundwork for a joyous and holistic educational journey for our little learners.
Circle Time
In the early years, Circle Time is more than a routine; it's a key to unlocking social and cognitive growth. This communal gathering enhances social skills, nurtures attention spans, and ensures every child feels valued within the group. As we say, 'In the circle of learning, curiosity thrives, questions bloom, and shy voices find courage.' Starting our day with Circle Time sets the tone for a vibrant, engaging journey through discovery for our pre-primary students.
Value Based Story Sessions
As Dr. Seuss wisely said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."Our value-based story sessions for early years children echo this sentiment. Utilizing props and flashcards, we transform tales into immersive experiences. These sessions not only instill a love for reading but also impart essential values, fostering a foundation for knowledge and character. Together, we embark on a journey where stories unfold and values take root.
Multi- Sensory Approach
In our pre-primary classrooms, phonics takes flight with a multisensory approach, engaging young learners in a dynamic exploration of language. Through hands-on activities, visual aids, and interactive exercises, we transform phonics into a vibrant learning experience. This multisensory method not only reinforces letter-sound associations but also cultivates a strong foundation for early literacy. As students immerse themselves in this interactive phonics journey, they not only learn to read but develop a genuine love for language.
Emergent Curriculum
Embracing the unique needs and interests of pre-primary students, at DPSSL emergent curriculum unfolds organically, tailoring education to their evolving curiosity. Through flexible, responsive teaching, we foster a love for learning. This approach encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for a holistic educational journey that respects each child's individuality and fosters a lifelong passion for discovery.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning isn't just a method; it's a philosophy. We believe in innovative pedagogy where learning by doing, encourages students to explore, create, and problem-solve in real-world scenarios. From interactive labs to field trips, we strive to make education a vibrant and memorable experience, nurturing curiosity and lifelong learning.
Systematic Synthetic Approach to Reading
In the symphony of education, a systematic synthetic approach to reading is the harmonious composition that empowers minds to decode the language of knowledge, note by note, fostering a lifelong melody of learning.
Explore and delve into the intricacies of our systematic synthetic approach that lays a solid foundation for literacy. Our learners explore hands-on word-building exercises, immersive storytelling sessions, and collaborative reading circles. These activities seamlessly blend into the curriculum, creating an environment where reading becomes not just a skill but a captivating journey of exploration and understanding.
Adaptive Mode of Differentiated Learning
Our school embraces an adaptive mode of differential learning which recognizes individual strengths and challenges, using innovative methods and technology to assess individual learning styles. From customized lesson plans to real-time feedback, we foster an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Grooming for the Futuristic World
"Education is the compass guiding us through the uncharted territories of the futuristic world.”
Step into a future-focused educational realm , where we are dedicated to grooming students for the dynamic challenges of tomorrow by navigating the digital landscape through coding, robotics, AI and many more. Our innovative teaching methods emphasize critical skills that prepare students to navigate the complexities of the future.
Raising Scientific Temper
Students embark on a scientific journey through a spectrum of engaging activities such as hands-on experiments and investigations in well-equipped laboratories nurturing practical skills. Providing platforms for students to present and discuss their research findings, encouraging effective communication and inviting experts to share insights and experiences, connecting students with real-world applications of science where scientific exploration becomes a dynamic and integral part of our students' educational experience.
Print-rich Environment
With the motto ‘the more the merrier,’ the kids are immersed and surrounded by a host of different materials geared at reading and writing. Creating a vocabulary-rich environment in which words are loved, valued, and enjoyed is an important way to help students discover and use new vocabulary. Vocabulary is not something that is memorized and tested; rather, vocabulary is to be read, written, discussed, and enjoyed daily. Not only are the materials readily available for little ones to access as they wish, but their use is encouraged on an organic level.
Reflection Time
By expressing a child’s innermost feelings, characteristics, and qualities, he/she can be happier overall. It allows a child to communicate what is important about themselves to the outside world. Self-expression allows people to be viewed as individuals and increase their fulfillment in life. We help our young learners to understand, think and talk about themselves as a person enabling them to voice their opinions through FREE EXPRESSIONS sessions regularly. This gives us an insight into the young minds and thereby allows us to cater to their individual needs.
Holistic Brain Development Program
In simple terms, holistic development encompasses the social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellectual growth of a child. We are committed to focusing on all aspects of a child's development, placing emphasis not only on academic achievements but also on their overall well-being.
The right brain begins its development during the ages 3-4 years; therefore, we believe that play should serve as the foundation for academic learning. The left brain does not fully come online until children reach the age of 7 and is responsible for language, literacy, and numeracy. We acknowledge this developmental timeline and align our pedagogies accordingly. We design specially curated real-time interactive activities to promote an enhanced love for learning, intuitiveness, creativity, and the development of photographic memory.