At The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool, we take a holistic approach to child development. This means considering all aspects of a child’s development, including physical, cognitive, social, language, and emotional, and providing experiences that promote growth and well-being in each area. In this blog, we will explore what holistic development is, why we look at children’s development holistically, and how we at The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool put this approach into practice.
What is Holistic Development?
Holistic development recognises that a child’s development is interconnected: each aspect of development affects the others. For example, when a child is physically unwell, they will struggle to learn and socialise. Similarly, a child’s emotional well-being may affect their physical health and even impact their cognitive development. The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool takes a holistic approach to child development by viewing each child as a whole person and providing a well-rounded early childhood education, focusing on well-being and creating individualised goals for growth.
Why Do We Look at Children’s Development Holistically?
At The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool, we firmly believe in taking a holistic approach to children’s development because we recognise that each child is complex, unique, and will develop at their own pace. By looking at children’s development holistically and considering the many facets of their being, we can create an environment that nurtures the overall growth and development of each child, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in all areas of their development.
How do we practise a Holistic Approach?
A holistic approach guides our daily routines here at The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool. We strive to genuinely understand and embrace the individual interests and personalities that make each child special. It is through this understanding that we design purposeful learning experiences that span across multiple developmental domains.
For instance, if one of our educators observes that a child is fascinated by caterpillars, we will create an activity like a sensory tray with dirt, mud, leaves, sticks, and toy insects. This hands-on exploration enhances physical skills and sparks curiosity.
Collaboration is vital, so children engage in this experience with their peers, fostering social development through sharing and cooperation.
We’re big on nurturing emotions so we will encourage children to be gentle and compassionate with insects, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
Language development is woven into everything we do. In this experience, educators would initiate conversations and name insects, helping children expand their vocabulary and express themselves confidently.
Following on from the sensory aspect of this learning experience, we would then explore caterpillar-themed books to deepen understanding of life cycles, expand areas of interest, and broaden cognitive horizons.
By providing personalised and diverse experiences, such as this example, we at The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool are committed to providing a holistic education that equips each of our young learners with the tools they need for lifelong learning.
To find out more or enrol your child, please contact us today.
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