Do you still remember the very first time you set your feet into your primary school classroom? Jogging back to my primary school memories, I could feel sweat beading on my forehead as I walked into my primary school classroom for the very first time. My heart pounded, filled with anxiety and anticipation. It was an entirely new environment; the class was bigger, and had more furniture.  I was taken aback; it was nothing like what I imagined.

I am certain that many of you can relate to this experience too! The primary school classroom was more standardised and coordinated. The teacher stood in front of a class of 30-40 students, and gave instructions from the front of the class. Everyone was expected to be paying attention so that they will not miss any instructions or explanations. It was a huge contrast with the preschool setting!

Being in a Montessori setting from a young age, children in Josiah are used to child-centered lessons and activities. They have a freedom of choice and have always been active learners to learn at their own pace. At Josiah, our heart towards the children is that we want them to be able to withstand acculturation, and transit smoothly into their next milestone in life – their primary school years. Therefore, it is essential to allow our children to feel and get a sense of the vibes of a primary school classroom setting.

In Josiah, we strive to ensure that our graduating classes enter Primary school with great confidence. Thus, we simulate our K2 classroom setting to the local Primary school classroom setting, where the children sit behind their desks. The teacher will facilitate from the front of the class, while children are expected to be independent & attentive learners, bounded by classroom rules.

Our K2 orientation starts with the teacher and children working together to set classroom rules and expectations. This process is vital because we believe that what lies at the heart of a successful and well-managed classroom is by empowering children to make decisions. Hence, our teachers run through the rules and expectations meticulously with our children.

The children also learn about the importance of listening carefully and obeying the rules, which is necessary as there will be rules for them to follow when they  move on from their early years into adulthood. Failing which, they may face challenges in completing the tasks assigned to them within the stipulated time as well as being cohesive socially.

Next, motivation. In Josiah, motivation is achieved through a merit system – a very popular system practiced in primary schools, with proven effectiveness. This system has been adopted by Josiah and has been working effectively in our K2 classes. By charting their good behaviour, children can assess their own behaviour, and will be able to improve on their behaviour as they learn that they need to earn their reward!

During lessons and discussions, our children are encouraged to participate actively. We train the children to focus and assimilate what’s delivered – which is an extremely important skill required of primary school students. They are required to remain attentive and focused. Otherwise, they will not be able to follow through the task assigned to them and this may affect their ability to complete the assignment effectively and independently.

The classroom setting is evidently important – it prepares the K2 children to learn in large group settings and be a calm, confident and independent learner. With a classroom setting, the children also undergo a shift from learning through hands-on experience to learning through language, logic and observation.  Group project works and discussions conducted in the classroom setting also promote teamwork and develop the child to be a better team player who can contribute adequately to the team.

All the values, disciplines, concepts and ways of learning that the children have gained from our classroom setting will be of tremendous aid to their transition to primary school. It also serves to prepare their hearts beforehand, ensuring that they will not experience too great a culture shock as they set their feet into their primary school classrooms for the first time in their lives. J

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Connect with Josiah

Tel.: (+65) 6336 6906

Email: info@josiah.com.sg

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