Research has shown that young children make sense of the world around through active play.
At The Tinker Yard, children are allowed to have all the space and time they need to work on their ideas. Teachers act as facilitators rather than instructors. We carefully observe children at play and use those observations to support children in representing their ideas through their preferred learning style(s).
Play at THE TINKER YARD is a mixed age preschool class that is natural, child-led, unhurried and respectful of needs of children.
The curriculum is built upon principles of RIE, Playwork and the Reggio Emilia approach. Curriculum is intentional and designed with the Child in mind. Learning goals are current and focused on helping children gain understanding and mastery through experiential activities.
What we are not
We do not use the thematic approach. Many early years settings in Singapore adopt the thematic approach. Most often, curriculum at these preschools is structured and teacher-directed. There is little or no room for children's voices to be heard. Children are not viewed as capable or competent learners rather they are viewed as needing to be fixed.
Lesson objectives are pre-determined and not intentionally planned based on current observations of children. The curriculum in this case expects children to meet adult-led expectations rather than meet their current learning and developmental needs.
How we differ at The Tinker Yard
Curriculum at The Tinker Yard is built upon principles of RIE, Playwork and the Reggio Emilia approach. We trust children and hold a strong view of children being competent, curious, full of knowledge, potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them.
In planning the curriculum, we draw inspiration from observations made of children's play. Curriculum is framed by big ideas that children have. Children are respected as capable and competent learners. They are empowered to take ownership of their learning while getting adequate support by our teachers.
We take great effort to create a culture of trust, care, empathy, support and collaboration in our class community (children, families and teachers). This is achieved through our practice of respectful and mindful teaching.
We aim to give children a space where they can discover, embrace and build upon their natural strengths and construct knowledge through experiential play. Teachers take on the role of facilitators.
Children in our programme will be equipped with skills, values and knowledge that would carry them through challenges. They would have all that they need to be successful in what they do AND more importantly, have a happy childhood.
If you would like to meet with us to learn more about The Tinker Yard or what we do, we welcome you to visit us at the studio. Just drop us an email to make an appointment.
