First, a Quick Science Lesson........ 

 

At birth a baby's brain is only partially developed, with trillions of nerve cells (neurons) present but not connected.  

                                                                                                                                                                                        In the first three years, connections (synapses) develop between neurons … and these synapses form the individual’s capacity for intelligence. Synapse formation increases through nurturing verbal, auditory and tactile activity….as during direct interaction with adults or with other children through play. Listening to adults speak with each other or watching television does NOT nurture growth of neural connections. 

                                                                                                                                                                    Immediately after formation, those synapses that are not frequently used undergo ‘pruning’ or elimination. Early experience can have a dramatic impact on the brain wiring process causing the final number of synapses in the brain to increase or decrease by as much as 25%.

 

Morning Playschool

 

At Dihika, we take care to ensure that mornings are spent in a Playschool – as opposed to ‘just a Daycare’- situation.  

                                                                                                                                                                                       All our playschool teachers are trained in The Learning Basket® approach to which they bring the Education for Life philosophy and techniques.  

                                                                                                                                                                                    The Learning Basket® approach [www.learningbasket.org] nurtures the growth of intelligence in children 0-3 years old through play. Learning objectives span four major domains of learning: the Cognitive, Social, Personal and Imaginal. The assumption that young children can develop multiple intellgences is foundational to this approach.

                                                                                                                                       Our Headmistress, Neena Nambiar, is certified from The Learning Basket®, Chicago, to train Teachers, Parents and Caregivers. 

 

Children Learn through Play

 

Learning is the natural impulse of children. There are some who advocate early mastery of reading, writing and math as a way of accelerating learning, but foundational research has proved that:

Play Nurtures Thinking Skills

Play Nurtures Social Skills

Play Nurtures Personal Development

Play Expands Imagination

Infants and toddlers come to know the world and how to live in it; they develop life skills, confidence and a sense of well being. They experiment with "free range thinking".

 

We are child centric 

 

We honor each child’s individual rhythm.

 

While a child progresses more quickly with stimulation of the brain through purposeful play, this does not mean that this should happen continuously.

 

A calm atmosphere of free play and rest are given equal importance. We are careful with the kind of music that we play and the kind of activities we make available.