Curriculum
What is the Pedagogy?
Inspired by Finland’s approach to early childhood education, we take the best that Finland has to offer and combine it with other best practices in our progressive, emerging pedagogy. We continuously update our pedagogy based on the latest in educational research, which is provided by our academic partner, the University of Helsinki. Together, we educate children who will change the world.
Core Principles of our Education
Curiosity meets Creativity
The foundation of learning is fueled by curiosity and creativity. At Curious Pandas Preschools, we believe children's innate desire to wonder, inquire, delve into new ideas, and explore should be nurtured and celebrated.
- The curriculum activities at Curious Pandas Preschools are intentionally designed to spark natural curiosity. The focus is not on completing the activity as planned, but rather on encouraging children to ask questions, explore, and test their ideas. Teachers and children enjoy the flexibility to seamlessly carry over activities into the next day, providing children with the opportunity to explore their inquiries more extensively.
- Our weekly projects are centered around inquiry, prompting children to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and seek answers.
Active Participation
Active participation fosters a sense of capability, ownership, and dedication. Children, similar to adults, thrive when they can take the lead and be proactive. Taking responsibility also teaches children the importance of accountability. Sharing your ideas instills the important message that your voice matters.
Children's meetings that are part of our program, provide opportunities for children to decide on the rules for their group.
The teacher's role is to guide the discussion and offer different perspectives.
Learning how to get dressed, tying your own shoe laces. Self-care skills are important life skills, which also foster a sense of competence.
Culture of Trust
Trust is like a superpower that simplifies everything. When there is a culture of trust within the school community, it allows everyone to concentrate on what truly matters, knowing that others are giving their best. This culture of trust creates a safe space for taking risks, learning from mistakes, and working together towards shared goals.
Consistent and transparent communication between the school and parents fosters a culture of trust.
Teachers acknowledge and value the distinctive strengths of each child, recognizing that children consistently strive to excel, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Learning Everywhere, All The Time
At Curious Pandas Preschool, learning does not only happen in a classroom or at school, it happens everywhere. Every moment and interaction holds valuable lessons for both children and adults, which provides endless learning opportunities. Children learn wisdom not just from teachers, but from every individual they encounter, making us all their guides in unique ways.
A meal time as a learning moment: counting vegetables, observing colors and shapes, learning to discuss and listen to others.
Getting dressed as a learning moment: fine motor skills when closing zippers and tying shoe laces, learning patience, and calming oneself when dressing frustrates.
Baking with grandmother turns into an educational experience, where measuring ingredients enhances math skills and observing the effects of baking powder introduces the wonders of science through the cake dough rising in the oven.
Celebrating with family; is an opportunity to discover cultural heritage, exploring music through singing, and honing both physical and verbal communication skills through interactions with relatives.