At Dragonfly British Nursery, we are committed to preserving the magic of childhood by allowing the children’s natural sense of wonder to nurture them and their interest in the world around them.
In our classrooms, the children are taught how to think, not what to think. The role of the teacher is one of facilitator or guide who brings expertise and knowledge of child development into the classroom.
Social development is central to our philosophy. The school partners with parents to support each child’s unique development. Nursery school is often a child’s first link to a larger community. Experienced, sensitive and loving teachers create a safe haven at Dragonfly British Nursery for children to take both small and large steps. Children are assisted in negotiating play with others, taking turns, listening, and honouring their friends needs for individual exploration. They receive focused support and guidance on specific social issues such as separation and conflict resolution. Sharing experiences and feelings is an integral part of the curriculum.
Young children learn through direct experience and need to be allowed actively to explore and manipulate materials in their environment. The materials in our classroom are carefully selected based on the learning opportunities they provide, and constitute a group of Activity Centres. These centres are arranged to encourage free exploration and a clear view of all that is available in the classroom, so that the child has the opportunity to make choices and participate in independent learning.
Children have their own preferred modes of learning. Some children respond best to visual cues, others to tactile experiences. We respect and teach to each child’s strengths while providing the chance to experience the world in multiple ways.
Free play, the core of our program, offers children freedom of choice and control over their activities. These experiences enhance self-esteem and children’s growing need to become independent learners. Experiential learning helps children recognize and articulate both what they know and how they feel.
We fully understand that in a competitive world, parents want the best educational start for their children. At Dragonfly British Nursery we take the approach that academic excellence comes from a love of learning and a strong desire to explore the world and its mysteries. Letting children be children is the most precious gift we can give to the young child.
As everything in life, the strength and quality of foundations determine the future potential of growth.
The quality of experiences and relationships in the first years of life has a deep and lasting impact on how the brain develops. The richer the environment, the greater the number of interconnections that are made. Interactions (relationships) also shape children’s brains. During the first year of life, trust develops. Trust is the foundation for all relationships. The more loving and responsive the caregiver is, the greater the foundation for later social interaction, that will influence how they will handle all future experiences.