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"The progressive method of learning which EALC advocates is simply child-centered. The teachers get to know each child and develop appropriate learning activities that will be suitable for him or her. This means that we take time to discover the interests of each child and use creative and doable ways in which he or she can develop his or her memory, logical thinking, language, reading readiness skills, drawing and writing skills, large-muscle and fine-muscle skills, and creativity." -- Teacher Eileen, Assistant Directress
What is the role of the School?
EALC is a center for learning which aims to develop the child's Christian values, and his intellectual socio-emotional and physical skills. It is completely with learning materials and equipment appropriate for the wholistic development of the child. It provides space for both indoor and outdoor play, a resource center full of books, educational toys and toys for dramatic play.
EALC provides a conducive environment carefully planned by
curriculum coordinators and teachers well-trained in early childhood
education to meet the needs of the individual child. In EALC, the
child spends his time in studies lessons and activities, including
activities that develop gross-motor and fine-motor skills. In this
way, EALC prepares a child fully as he begins his journey in the big
school. The school utilizes English and Chinese as the media of
instruction.EALC also recognizes the paramount importance of the parents' cooperation, support and commitment. Thus, the teachers work hand in hand with the parents to make EALC a second home for the children.
What do we teach?
The EALC Chinese and English curricula is just for kids. Its progressive approach to education is thematic. Subject-matter areas are integrated and organized around a special topic of the month, for example, Pets. Special topics or themes are flexible and are chosen based on previous experiences with children or on the current interests of a particular group.
Integration of learning takes the form of multiple goal activities
like field trips (e.g., Trip to the zoo), where concepts in Math
(e.g., counting animals in a cage), Social Studies (e.g., how to take
care of different animals) and Language (e.g. making a list of
animals seen in the trip) are addressed and learned
simultaneously.Learning experiences are provided individually, in small-groups and whole-groups.
Why do we teach in a progressive way?
We believe children learn best this way. Why? For years, we have discussed it in lecture sessions, witness its effectivity during practicum hours in graduate schools and early childhood education seminars and experienced it in our classrooms. We saw it before our very eyes as a moving force behind the learning of very young children during our travels to the United States, Taiwan and China.
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