There are many preschool learning methodologies suited for different needs and preferences. It’s important to understand that one is not better than the other – the point lies in which is the best way to facilitate your child’s development. By understanding their nuances and how they help set MindChamps Preschool apart, you can have a more informed idea of the pedagogy your little one is well-suited for. In this article, we dive into the developmental-interaction approach, and in what ways they are unique from MindChamps preschool curriculum in Singapore and around the world.
What Is The Developmental-Interaction Approach?
The developmental-interaction approach is driven by individualised learning where the quality of growth and meaningful relationships take centre stage. Preschoolers who are nurtured with the developmental-interaction approach to curriculum will find themselves actively engaging with their immediate environments, which comprise nature, people, things and ideas. The interactional theme of this model facilitates the development of a child – they create meaningful experiences with stimuli around them, which then help them understand themselves better.
This way, development is considered a process. In a curriculum designed for children to explore and express ideas through various means, from art to play, the child learns how to connect the dots between emotions and both cognitive and physical development.
How Does The Developmental-Interaction Approach Look Like In The Classroom?
A curriculum underpinned by the developmental-interaction approach creates a preschool learning environment that is more personal. Activities are open-ended, with a vast amount of materials at the child’s disposal, including blocks, clay, sand, puzzles and similar play objects. A child may interact with the same materials at different ages, revealing layers of exploration and self-understanding from within. Playtime can be both free and planned, both of which enable educators to identify interests and the way a child meaningfully incorporates materials into playtime.
How Is MindChamps Different From Developmental-Interaction Preschool Learning?
MindChamps carries forward features of individuality from developmental-interaction learning by emphasising The Champion Mind, one of the three elements of our 3-Mind approach. Here, we nurture children to be confident and unique, having what it takes to overcome c.hallenges and achieve success in their own ways. Combining this with a structured approach towards preschool learning, The Learning Mind and The Creative Mind help establish a developmental path to facilitate learning, recall and synthesis, alongside problem-solving skills.
While the developmental-interaction approach specifically focuses on the relational aspect of learning, MindChamps takes this further by making relationships more collaborative and meaningful. Crafted PlayTM is the perfect example. In this method of play, the child is given the freedom to explore, experiment and experience what is available in their immediate preschool environments – people, ideas and things – while achieving a particular outcome. This can include building a foundation in numeracy, language and social skills. Such structured activities allow for enough freedom to ensure learning remains fun, explorative and empowering.
The factor that helps you choose between the developmental-interaction model or the MindChamps approach to preschool pedagogy rests upon how your child responds to structured and unstructured learning. Why not let your child experience our MindChamps preschool curriculum so you can better decide on what is best suited for your child? Book a visit to any of our centres in Singapore today!