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Exploring the New Kindergarten Centre at the British School of Sofia: A World of Play-Pretend Learning

17 Jan 2024
Discover the innovative play-pretend learning approach at the new Kindergarten Centre of the British School of Sofia, where children aged 2-6 explore and grow in a restaurant world module.

The British School of Sofia has always been a hallmark of excellence in education, seamlessly blending traditional values with innovative teaching methods. It's a place where the seeds of knowledge, creativity, and global citizenship are sown in the fertile minds of young learners. Today, we're excited to introduce our latest endeavour in early childhood education – the new Kindergarten Centre at the WonderWorld Building on our campus, a haven of imaginative learning for our youngest students.

At the heart of our school campus, the WonderWorld Building emerges as a vibrant world where imagination meets learning. This new Kindergarten Centre is more than just a building; it's a lively, engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. The design and safety of the centre have been meticulously planned to ensure every child feels included, fulfilled, and inspired.

One of the most exciting aspects of this new facility is the introduction of play-pretend learning – an approach that combines the joy of play with the richness of educational experiences. This method is not just about children playing; it's about them learning through scenarios that mimic real life. Research has repeatedly shown the benefits of play-pretend in early education, including the development of cognitive and social skills. Through imaginative play, children learn to interpret the world and understand their place within it.

The first module introduced in this innovative centre is a miniature restaurant world. In this engaging setup, children learn the intricacies of dining and hospitality, stepping into roles that mirror real-life scenarios. They experience being both customers and hospitality professionals, engaging in activities such as using a menu, placing orders, interacting with wait staff, and understanding the value of money.

When children play the role of hospitality professionals, they imbibe lessons in responsibility, teamwork, and the art of service. As they set tables, take orders, and interact with their 'customers', they develop a range of skills from problem-solving to effective communication. On the flip side, as customers, they gain perspective on manners, social interaction, and the importance of etiquette in everyday life. This holistic approach to learning goes beyond academic skills, nurturing empathy, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication – essential skills for life.

The role of educators in this play-pretend environment is crucial. They are not just supervisors but guides who facilitate each child’s learning journey, ensuring every play activity is a potential learning opportunity. The educators at the British School of Sofia are trained to recognize and adapt to each child's unique needs and interests, ensuring an inclusive and personalized learning experience.

Parental involvement is also a key component of our approach. We believe that the learning journey extends beyond the classroom, and we encourage parents to be active participants in this journey. Workshops and home activities are offered to parents, complementing and reinforcing the children's learning experiences at the centre.

Looking to the future, we have plans to introduce more engaging modules at the Kindergarten Centre, expanding the horizons of play-pretend learning. These expansions aim to continuously enrich our curriculum and provide diverse experiences to our young learners.

For parents interested in enrolling their children in this extraordinary learning experience, the British School of Sofia provides detailed information on enrollment procedures, age requirements, and fees. Choosing the British School of Sofia means being part of a community where children are nurtured to grow into well-rounded individuals, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

In conclusion, the new Kindergarten Centre at the British School of Sofia is more than just an educational facility; it's a nurturing ground for the holistic development of young minds. In this world of play-pretend, every day is an adventure, every activity a learning opportunity. It's where the leaders of tomorrow begin their journey today.

FAQs About the New Kindergarten Centre

To provide further clarity and insight into this innovative approach to early childhood education, here are some frequently asked questions about the new Kindergarten Centre:

1. What is the age range for children enrolling in the new Kindergarten Centre?
The centre caters to children aged 2-6, offering a curriculum and activities suitable for this developmental stage in accordance with the British School System.

2. How does play-pretend learning benefit my child?
Play-pretend learning aids in cognitive and social development enhance communication skills and fosters empathy and problem-solving abilities.

3. Can parents participate in their child's learning at the Centre?
Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement through workshops and activities that can be continued at home.

4. What safety measures are in place at the WonderWorld Building?
The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. The building and activities are designed with the utmost consideration for safety and inclusivity. The campus grounds are secured with 24-hour video surveillance and a chip system, which limits access to school staff and parents only. Access is further monitored and filtered by trained professionals who meet and greet every visitor, obliging them to sign in. BSS educators undergo regular training, teaching them new education and care techniques to remain prepared to aid children in their development.

 

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