MILESTONES 2015-16

Learning centres for better learning
Play is an active form of learning that involves the whole self. Three to six-yearolds
are natural, enthusiastic learners. They learn, grow, and internalize through
interactive experiences with each other, adults, and other manipulative that ignite
all of their senses. Planning diverse learning centres, with open-ended activities and
hands-on materials, benefits the students in better understanding of the concepts. It
gives them the freedom of choice to exhibit their learning in their own learning style.
Learning centres are areas within the classroom where students learn about specific
subjects by playing and engaging in activities. Children need certain strategies and
skills, such as making decisions, carrying out plans, cooperating and sharing with
others, and problem-solving, in order to play and learn independently.
The Pre Primary teachers share their personal experiences in their classroom...
• In the free play block centre I observe that the acorns see things through another
person’s point of view by working together to create, construct, and build, says
Ms. G Lalitha. My acorns feel relaxed as they can just be themselves.
• Ms. Kavitha, the home room teacher of Pansies pronounces that her acorns
have become self-disciplined in exploring in their own way of understanding
things. In the Math centre, they are busy sorting, sequencing and counting on
their own.
• Ms. Sirisha, the home room teacher of Bell Flowers shares that the inquiry centre
has made the lil acorns become more open and natural. Their communication
skills have tremendously improved. It has helped them to be them-selves and
to understand others too.
• “Oh My God! Can’t believe that these are the same kids who cried for their
parents in the first week of school! The same kids now have big tales to share
in the class,”acclaims Ms. Shradha the home room teacher of Asters. Thanks to
the language centre.
• “Take risks without fear of failure,” Ms. Sailalitha the home room teacher of
Tulips says in my art centre, “I take care in developing their fine motor skill in a
fun filled way and helps the acorns to evaluate their work as they go along.”
• “In the writing centre, students are writing picture stories proudly”, declares
Ms Swathi home room teacher of Flamingos. The listening centre helps them
to be responsible and definitely helps them to face positive challenges and gain
self-esteem.
• “These little scientists, explorers, gems investigate, explore, and discover things
that are new to them and make connections with things that they already know
in the reading centre”, claims Ms. A Sunitha home room teacher of Doves.
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