THE LEARNING AREAS OF OUR CURRICULUM
We follow the new Finnish Curriculum for Early Years Education. The five learning areas below are incorporated into the operational plan of the kindergarten. They are also used in making the Individual Learning Plans for each child to track how they are developing, and for the teachers to tailor the curriculum to meet children's individual needs.
Many modes of self-expression
Children will develop their creativity through interaction with their environment, role plays, creative movement and dance, singing, storytelling, design and technology and exploring materials. They are encouraged to use their five senses and develop their curiosity of exploring different materials and how they can be used in different ways. The children will be given the chance to be creative and express themselves in different ways in open activity areas. In addition, our daycares have a technology, computers and programming themed group for 5 to 7 year old children.
Rich language environment
Our kindergartens are international with children from various cultural backgrounds. We use english to communicate in the kindergarten. Children will develop their communication skills as they play and interact with other peers and the teachers. Songs and nursery rhymes will help children to build on their vocabulary en, pronunciation, intonation and rhythm of speech. Children will build a greater knowledge of letter recognition and enhance their hand writing skills with fun activities.
Me and my community
This learning area focuses on the child’s development to explore the different materials around them. For example, how a child might realise that a magnet can stick to many things around them but only to those that are ferromagnetic. The child will start to develop their concept of time. The child will become aware of the natural world around them and they will start to make their own opinions about it. The child will develop their awareness of different cultures and celebrations. They will also identify local authorities such as police, fire department and hospitals.
Exploring and experimenting in the local environment
Here the focus is for the children to develop skills in counting, number recognition, shape recognition, sizes, weight, amounts, comparisons, sorting, making and recognising patterns, completing puzzles and following rhythm. Example activities could include construction, hopscotch and role plays such as the shop keeper. This learning area will be incorporated throughout daily activities such as setting the tables for lunch and counting how many glasses are needed.
Growth and development
Through the guidance and support of teachers, children are encouraged to be independent and to take their own initiative in routines such as undressing themselves and washing their hands before eating. Through play children will develop their friendship forming skills and they will learn to consider the feelings of others. Children will gain confidence in approaching new challenges and they will develop a sense of being part of a group and a community. This learning area concentrates also on children’s ability to move with confidence and use their imagination while being aware of their surroundings. Exercise is a perfect platform for children to develop their physical coordination and spatial awareness. Children will also be encouraged to develop their fine and gross motor skills. Focus is also made on the child’s ability to use various pieces of equipment such as scissors and pencils.