We go inside the Singapore American School (SAS) to find out how young students benefit from their Reggio Emilia approach.
The Reggio Emilia approach inspires student learning at the Early Learning Center (ELC) at SAS. Here are four ways that it’s giving a leg-up to its youngest learners.
#1 The Early Learning Center is serious about play
SAS says that when children are learning best when they’re truly engaged and having fun. That’s why throughout much of their school day, their ELC learners engage in purposeful play and discovery! The Reggio Emilia approach encourages exploring a variety of natural and sensory materials and engaging in socio-dramatic play, blocks and construction, water play, art experimentation and more.
Then, during their two recess times each day, they get to run and play in the playground and ride bikes.
Engaging in student learning experiences and activities that encourage natural curiosity and wonder. The activities also provoke questions and investigations. In the process, the children co-construct any new knowledge or discovery themselves.
This is therefore deeply meaningful to them.
#2 The Reggio Emilia approach takes student learning outdoors
Part of the school’s Reggio Emilia approach is in bringing the outside environment into the student learning environment. The campus facilities at the Early Learning Center support this in different ways. For instance, learners can find out more about nature in the school’s very own 1.6-acre rainforest, have hands-on experiences with ceramics, and learn more about robotics and mechanical engineering from teachers in the High School Robotics lab.
Depending on the inquiry projects they’re undertaking, the activities and outings for each class will be different. Past activities and outings have included regular visits to the school’s rainforest and eco-garden, trips to Marina Barrage, Sentosa, Bollywood Veggies, Katapult Trampoline Park and the Singapore Zoo, as well as visits to the theatre to enjoy plays and musicals.
#3 Encouraging natural language learning experiences
The ELC curriculum includes daily Chinese language classes, literacy, mathematics, units of inquiry involving integrated conceptually based projects, and perceptual motor skills development in “Move and Groove”.
The Chinese Immersion Program ensures that students naturally acquire the language as they engage in hands on, exploratory student learning experiences. They’re able to build a strong foundation in both spoken and written Chinese through stories, songs, cultural activities and inquiry-based projects.
#4 Collaborating with the community
Children at SAS come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, with varying levels of abilities and skills. For this reason, student learning experiences are personalised to each child’s needs and intentional interests.
The school says that its Early Learning Center learners are supported by teachers who have a deep understanding of best practices in early childhood education. Among these is the Reggio Emilia approach. They regularly participate in professional development to continually deepen their knowledge and practice.
Parents are regarded as important partners in their child’s education, too. For example, parents can participate in Storypark, an online platform where teachers document a child’s development, learning stories and activities. Every Friday, parents receive an email summarising the week’s learning. In October and March, parent-teacher conferences facilitate discussions on a student’s strengths, goals and growth. Parents are also encouraged to reach out to teachers any time they have questions or concerns.
Singapore American School is at 40 Woodlands Street 41. 6360 6360 | sas.edu.sg