THE SCHOOL
Strawberry Fields Kindergarten
aims at providing education, which instills values, enables
students to explore their surroundings and learn through fun
and play.
Combining the
traditional Montessori method with the more interactive participatory
approach, the curriculum and methodology is designed to ensure
that the child adds value to his growth - each moment, each
day.
"Learning
can be fun" translates to factual reality where the child,
through music, dramatic play, story telling, group activity,
communication, creative and visual imagery and the introduction
to the 3 R's develops confidence, self esteem and a 'yearning
for learning'. In an informal setting, focus is on play, spontaneity
and on an elimination of everything, which could condition
or regiment the child's perspective.
The emphasis is on all-round development, which encompasses
emotional and social development, gross and fine motor skills,
language development and academic skills.
Teachers are
friend, confidante, guide and counsellor to each of their
students. Since class composition is small, interactive communication
and personal attention are available to each child. With assistants
as back up support and special teachers for music, games and
sports, school time is well planned. The sprawling green lawns,
a child friendly play area, a splash pool and a library for
children make the child's three and a half hours a veritable
treat.
I n
the 2 to 4 years age group, Strawberry Fields has 3 classes
- the Play Class (which is for two and a half hours), Nursery
and Lower Kindergarten. There is no stress on rote learning.
Readiness for literacy and numerical skills is gradually created.
At all times the individual child's pace of development is
respected.
Mr. Atul Khanna is the Director of the School. Along with
a dedicated, caring staff and helpers, the transition from
home to school is made as smooth as possible.
Following are some of the activities
offered by the school:
Music:
To develop a musical ear and appreciate music, the school
has regular singing. Two pianos are used for this purpose.
Story Telling:
Pupils are encouraged to be imaginative and learn values through
story telling session. This also helps them to comprehend
in  English
and Hindi.
Water Play:
A splash pool allows children to indulge in lots of fun activities
in the warm months.
The Learning
Centre: The school has a learning centre which o rganizes
computer and multi-media sessions for children. It has a vast
collection of interactive compact discs. The children are
motivated to be computer savvy.
Fridays are
"occupational activity days" where children come
in civil clothes. Gardening, painting and working with clay,
etc., it is their day to experiment with nature's bounty.
Library:
 Apart
from offering a vast collection of comprehensive books for
the young students, the school also encourages the faculty
and the parents to use the Library. This facilitates parents
to participate in their child's growing years and open the
wonderful world of books to their children.
The library is
open in the evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer and
from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter.
The school
organizes an orientation session at the beginning of each
academic year. Circulars are sent on a regular basis. Parent
teacher meetings are scheduled four times a year. Parents
are encouraged to take an active part in their children's
development and growth and sharing special interests and talents.
The
school has a team of counsellors (educational, behavioural,
career) who work in tandem with teachers, students and parents
to ensure balanced growth as also help students maximise their
potential opting for subjects and activities best suited to
their natural proclivities.
Parental participation
is encouraged in a big way. Orientation programmes are held
regularly to create awareness among parents and to highlight
the important role they play in their developing child. Parents
are encouraged to visit classroom with prior permission. Teachers
appreciate parents participation with a special project, reading
a story, telling about a family tradition, preparing a snack
or sharing special interests and talents.
SPORTS
 Fun
and games are fundamental to the learning process that involves
little children. To inculcate in them a spirit of confidence,
participation and sportsmanship, the schools offers a range
of indoor and outdoor games. The school also holds an Annual
Sports Meet in December, around Christmas time. |
