EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE
Early childhood is a crucial phase in the development of children. It is a period of life where learning happens everywhere and in every moment of the day.
We view children as unique individuals with their own ideas, thoughts and needs, which is why we focus on their physical and emotional wellbeing, alongside their educational needs. We foster children’s participation and autonomy, so that they learn the skills for life.
It is our mission to offer the children of Port Elizabeth the internationally renowned Finnish early childhood education to nurture caring and capable children that thrive in the future.
WHAT IS THE FINNISH WAY?
Combines the best and latest research-based learning philosophies and models.
Takes a holistic approach to children's learning.
Places emphasis on creativity and play, without compromising academic skills.
Focuses on the development of transversal skills.
Invests in continuous training of highly qualified teachers.
Provides a high quality learning environment.
Focuses on the individual child.
Supports all children and families without competition and ranking.
Provides the basis for lifelong learning.
In Finnish early childhood education, learning is understood as a lifelong process. Learning happens in an active way by utilizing children’s natural curiosity, their will to explore and the joy of discovery. Play is a natural way to learn physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills. Playful learning is children’s main activity at E=mc².
Research shows that introducing new skills when children are ready to receive them leads to learning, not frustration. The Finnish education system supports children’s learning and development without the toxic stress that can come from pushing children to learn too much, too early.
In Finnish education, we look at the world from the child’s perspective because we recognize the value of childhood. Children's opinions, ideas and viewpoints are taken into account in their educational experience. A positive, strength-based approach, focuses on what a child does well, rather than what they do ‘wrong’.
Finland is known for the concept of resilience, which is the courage to move forward when things get tough. In Finnish-style education, children learn their own sense of resilience, because they learn how to think for themselves, to love learning, to solve problems, to express how they feel, and to value their own and other’s opinion.
PERSONAL LEARNING JOURNEY
Each child at E=mc² is provided with a Child’s Individual Plan. It serves as a dialogue between our teachers and parents about how we can work together to help the child recognize their full potential.
The plan includes a Follow-Up Tool, which we use throughout the child’s time at E=mc² to make visible their progress, strengths, needs, and possible challenges in relation to our learning areas.
It also includes the Child’s Portfolio where we collect their meaningful documents, such as drawings and other artwork. Photographs of events, play, projects, trips, narratives, and interviews are also added.
OUR LEARNING AREAS
From the very beginning of their lives, children are active and interested in exploring the world around them. The learning areas in our early childhood education curriculum promote these natural impulses and support children’s comprehensive growth and wellbeing.
LEARNING
FORMS OF
EXPRESSION
Learning forms of expression equip children with possibilities to express themselves.
Different forms of expression promote children’s formation of positive self-image, social skills, and the capability to understand the surrounding world.
We teach forms of expression through musical activities, through verbal & physical expression, and through crafts & visual expression.
EXPLORING AND INTERACTING WITH THE WORLD AROUND ME
This learning area includes linguistic, mathematical and science & environmental education.
Linguistic skills cover a range of abilities, not just reading and speaking. Children practice listening, understanding and following multi-step instructions.
Mathematical skills are part of children's everyday observations so it becomes a natural part of the learning experience and an enjoyable skill to gain.
In science & environmental education children learn how to make observations, to explore their surroundings and to practice scientific and critical thinking.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD WE LIVE IN
This learning area teaches children to understand the world we live in through cultural competence and ethics education.
Cultural competence is an extremely important skill in today’s global environment. Children learn about the concepts of family and community. They learn to observe and practice their local customs and traditions.
Ethics education teaches children about the concepts of rules, right from wrong, and good from bad. Children also learn good manners and showing empathy toward others.
PRACTICING A HEALTHY WAY OF LIVING
This learning area includes the physical well-being of the child and socio-emotional competence.
Children are encouraged to discuss their feelings and they learn causes and consequences of different emotions. This helps children develop their social skills and empathy.
Physical activity is important for mental and physical well-being. Children are given ample time each day to be physically active, to run, walk, play, climb, jump, dance and play games. They are taught how to take care of their personal hygiene and develop healthy eating habits.
OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Our learning spaces are specifically designed to promote children’s learning and wellbeing. Children learn better when their surroundings have less audiovisual stimulation. Our classrooms are built with natural materials. Noise-absorbent flooring, wooden walls and energy efficient glass, that allows natural light to flow through our learning spaces, are just some of the many features. Our multifunctional spaces include mobile elements which allows our children to influence their environment and therefore boost their self-confidence and independency.
CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY
