Pre-nursery is the foundation for every child's education. It is an essential step for holistic development, wherein their cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills are honed for lifelong learning. Parents must pay close attention to the schools that offer pre-nursery education because that is an important place wherein the child will be exposed to diversity, new language (apart from their mother tongue), play and academia.Therefore, they need pre-nursery schools that understand a child's unique needs, safety, and overall development.
Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, is an institution that understands every pupil's versatility and uniqueness. We spoke to Kathakali Roy, who is part of Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, and has been working closely with Early Years students. She tells us how Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, encourages quality education, safety, diversity, and holistic development.
What makes Oakridge Gachibowli's pre-nursery programme stand apart from other school programmes?Kathakali: What sets Oakridge Gachibowli's pre-nursery programme apart from others is our recognition that every child learns differently. Our dedicated team, including teachers, counsellors, and administrators, provide personalised support to address learning difficulties, emotional needs, or any challenges your child may face. We understand that safety is your top concern, which is why our pre-nursery consists of a low teacher-student ratio, ensuring each child receives dedicated attention and feels secure. Additionally, CCTV cameras, vigilant staff, and an on-site medical facility provide complete peace of mind.
What does the typical daily routine look like for pre-nursery students at your school?Kathakali: Our Pre-Nursery classroom follows a daily rhythm designed to engage and nurture young minds. Each day, children choose materials of interest, receive lessons from the teacher, and share snacks with friends. Throughout the morning, they gather for circle time, enjoy read-aloud stories, have free playtime, and sing songs and rhymes. They also work in groups, share with peers, and take turns, fostering essential social skills. Our balanced approach caters to all developmental domains of early childhood. Additionally, our little ones have 40 minutes of PE time daily to develop their gross motor skills. Students move between various learning centres throughout the day, experiencing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. We ensure flexibility with short breaks for eating and washroom needs, providing a comfortable and supportive learning environment.
We'd like to hear more about the curriculum and learning approach used in the pre-nursery programme. Could you share some specific examples or scenarios?Kathakali: In our Pre-Nursery Programme, we go beyond traditional academics to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Our curriculum is enriched with a variety of extracurricular activities designed to foster holistic growth in our students. From sports teams to music programmes, children have the opportunity to explore their interests and talents, developing essential skills and confidence along the way. With our Pre-Nursery Programme, we strive to provide just that, ensuring that each child receives the care, support, and opportunities they need to flourish.
Are there opportunities for parent involvement or communication in your pre-nursery programme?Kathakali: This age marks a crucial period in laying the foundation for a child's development. It is imperative to have a collaborative effort from both parents and teachers, where both come together to ensure the holistic development of the child. At Oakridge International School Gachibowli, we deeply understand the significance of this partnership. We encourage active participation from parents. Parents are integral to the school community, from volunteering in classrooms to mentoring students during exhibitions and research projects. Transparent communication channels ensure that parents are kept informed about their child's progress and school activities. We share regular updates via email, and teachers are accessible for direct communication during specified hours on weekdays.
Do you have any advice for parents on how to handle toddlers and help them better grasp cognitive, language, social, and emotional regulation skills?Kathakali: Handling toddlers and nurturing their cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills is a multifaceted task. However, it's important to create a positive environment at home where kids can play without any interruption. It is important that parents make learning fun and engaging through practical activities, games and simple experiments at home. Encourage kids to explore their interests through different games. No matter how simple the experiments or activities are, they are useful. Encourage independence by allowing kids to do things independently, like eating on their own, wearing their dresses independently, keeping the toys back on the shelf after playing, etc. Encourage your child to face challenges and view mistakes while doing the tasks these will act as opportunities for intellectual, mental, and emotional growth. This will help them to build self-confidence.
Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement how much ever small it is. Teach them that their progress is linked to small, successive, repeated successes. Limit screen time and replace it with interactive activities like reading together, singing songs, or playing games that involve physical movement. Build a consistent routine that will provide your toddler with a sense of security and predictability, which is crucial for their emotional development. Create an organised daily routine for them that they become accustomed to by seamlessly combining learning and play.
In a nutshellEarly education has many benefits, from cognitive development to social and emotional development. Parents should be mindful of the schools they choose for their kids, as they will be receiving an education that will lay a strong foundation for their future. As Kathakali Roy elaborated, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli's pre-nursery programme is designed for toddlers and assures a safe and stimulating environment that encourages a love for learning. To learn more about the school, click
here.Disclaimer: The article has been produced on behalf of Oakridge International School by the Times Internet's Spotlight team.