{"id":6202,"date":"2024-11-05T03:55:17","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T03:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/?p=6202"},"modified":"2024-11-05T03:55:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T03:55:17","slug":"embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/","title":{"rendered":"Embracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article was first published in Beanstalk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When designed well, a preschool\u2019s physical environment can be a canvas for children\u2019s learning. It reflects the authentic learning that is taking place and evolves in response to their growing curiosity, creativity and holistic development. One preschool that has such dynamic learning spaces is St. James\u2019 Church Kindergarten (Gilstead),\u00a0winner of the 2023 ECDA Outstanding Centre for Teaching & Learning Award.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping it open<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The \u201cLoose Parts Trove\u201d at SJCK (Gilstead) is a treasure trove of loose parts, including pots and pans, where children can freely add to their play exploration. This evolving collection inspires children to experiment, innovate, and extend their play in countless ways. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The centre\u2019s design philosophy stems from its image of the child as capable and competent individuals who can contribute to their own learning. Children are always involved in the building process, from planning discussions to the physical setup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal Mrs Ruth Gamo-Bilon elaborates, \u201cOur outdoor spaces, such as the playground, water play area and sand pit, are designed with open-ended elements that encourage children to continuously change and evolve their play experiences. This sparks their interest and engagement, creating a fun setting for the development of physical skills, social interactions and problem-solving abilities.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Edible Garden at SJCK (Gilstead) was initiated during the Covid pandemic in 2020, where children began planting a variety of fruits and vegetables. The garden has since become a sensory space for exploration, fostering growth, conversations, and a sense of wonder for children, families, and even the creepy crawlies!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every term, each class conducts an inquiry-based project to explore topics of interest. The children conduct investigations across various preschool spaces, out of which new learning environments and play experiences have emerged. For example, the centre\u2019s edible herb garden arose from an inquiry into different herbs and spices. Other projects saw children discovering creative uses for loose parts, such as making a marble run from pipes, extension tubes and tape, or transforming one of the rooms into a string laser maze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur curriculum encourages children to collaborate, innovate and co-create,\u201d says Mrs Gamo-Bilon, adding that parents are invited to participate in their children\u2019s projects. \u201cWe value each person\u2019s potential by encouraging constant growth and change, fostering a culture where every idea and voice is heard, and every individual thrives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change leads to growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
During outdoor play, children express their innovation by using foam blocks as a path or a fence. A see-saw was also used as part of the structure in the process. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In implementing this curriculum, educators play the roles of observer, collaborator and facilitator. \u201cIt requires empowering educators to try new things and use the environment as a medium for experimentation and expression,\u201d says former centre principal, Ms Eudora Tan, who is now Executive Principal, Early Childhood Development Centres (Kindergartens), Anglican Preschool Services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy observing how children interact and engage with the learning spaces, educators will know what piques the children\u2019s interest. They can then adjust their teaching practices according to the children\u2019s wonderings and inspire them to think deeper.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She notes, \u201cSome of the children\u2019s projects do not last beyond a year due to the lifespan of materials, or because children outgrow them as they develop new skills and abilities. We welcome this short life cycle as it makes space for new projects to occur organically.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy favourite project was making the laser maze. My friends used wooden pegs to connect the strings, but some dropped, so I tied the strings with knots. We also made a big one for children in school to play too! It was so fun! \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Serah David, 6<\/strong><\/p>Serah David, 6<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to innovate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ms Eudora Tan offers three tips to educators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Encourage risk-taking.<\/strong>\u00a0Celebrate the process and not just the product or success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Pay attention.<\/strong>\u00a0Introduce changes to the learning spaces according to children\u2019s interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Be flexible.<\/strong>\u00a0Create a timetable that allows for unhurried exploration and free movement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Learn more about St. James\u2019 Church Kindergarten (Gilstead)\u2019s innovative approach at go.gov.sg\/2023-ecda-awards-tnl-sjck<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To find out more about our preschools, visit https:\/\/www.anglicanps.edu.sg<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nurturing wonder in SJCK Gilstead\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[84,81],"class_list":{"0":"post-6202","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-features","8":"tag-outdoor-learning","9":"tag-st-james-church-kindergarten-gilstead-2","10":"cs-entry","11":"cs-video-wrap"},"yoast_head":"\nEmbracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators - Our Learning Journey<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When designed well, a preschool\u2019s physical environment can be a canvas for children\u2019s learning.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Embracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Nurturing wonder in SJCK Gilstead\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Our Learning Journey\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-05T03:55:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/building-blocks-@playground-scaled-e1729497665200.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1131\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"APS\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Embracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Nurturing wonder in SJCK Gilstead\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/building-blocks-@playground-scaled-e1729497665200.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"APS\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"APS\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/#\/schema\/person\/0da400b840c113b662e54f0af18b0267\"},\"headline\":\"Embracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-05T03:55:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-05T03:55:17+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\"},\"wordCount\":708,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"outdoor learning\",\"St. James' Church Kindergarten (Gilstead)\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Features\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ourlearningjourney.sg\/index.php\/2024\/11\/05\/embracing-changes-in-learning-space-design-empowers-both-children-and-educators\/\",\"name\":\"Embracing changes in learning space design empowers both children and educators - 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