MESSAGE FROM KG VICE PRINCIPAL
‘Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.’ Fred Donaldson
As the newly appointed Vice Principal in the KG Department at Northwest Bilingual School, it was with absolute excitement that I have accepted this appointment. After 26 years of teaching in both the Kindergarten and Elementary Departments at various schools in Kuwait, I have come to the conclusion, that this is my absolute favorite age group to teach. Undoubtedly, it is also the most difficult.
Studies have shown that one of the most critical time periods in early childhood development and learning is from birth to five years old. The Russian psychologist, Vygotsky, believed that play promotes cognitive skills as well as social and emotional development in children. In addition to these skills, he believed that learning is an essentially social process in which the support of parents, caregivers, peers and the wider society and culture plays a crucial role in the development of higher psychological functions.
At Northwest Bilingual, we fully support this school of thought and understand that children learn best in a nurturing, play based environment; and for that reason, we have adopted the phrase ‘Play, Learn and Grow’ as a guide to help our children make sense of the world around them.
Kindergarten is an important stepping stone to the next phase in their academic lives and provides vital education for our younger students prior to Elementary School. It also provides opportunities to learn vital communication skills and independence, allowing the child to feel they have control over their learning experiences, but most importantly our students should have FUN and feel safe while doing it.
So, I will leave you with the following words, to further emphasize the importance of this style of learning.
‘Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning’, Mr. Rogers,
Mrs. Amina Scott