by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
Benefits of Outdoor Learning in Child Development
At Silverlily School, we believe that outdoor learning is just as important as classroom instruction. The natural world offers countless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that are essential to a child’s development. From nature walks to outdoor science experiments, our students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that fosters growth in all areas.
Physical Development
Outdoor activities encourage children to move, run, climb, and explore, helping them develop physical skills like coordination, balance, and strength. These activities promote overall health and fitness, which are vital for a child’s well-being.
Cognitive Growth Through Nature Exploration
Being outdoors stimulates a child’s curiosity and sense of wonder. Whether they’re observing insects, examining plants, or learning about the weather, children develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Social Interaction and Teamwork
Outdoor play provides opportunities for children to interact with their peers in new and meaningful ways. Whether they’re playing team sports or working together on outdoor projects, they learn important social skills like communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Emotional Well-Being and Confidence
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Outdoor learning gives children a chance to relax and enjoy their surroundings, boosting their emotional well-being. It also fosters confidence as they conquer physical challenges and solve real-world problems.
Outdoor Learning at Silverlily
At Silverlily School, we take full advantage of our outdoor spaces for learning. From gardening to science projects, our outdoor curriculum is designed to engage students in active, hands-on learning that complements their classroom experiences.
by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
How Play Enhances Learning in Montessori Education
In Montessori education, play is an integral part of the learning process. At Silverlily School, we emphasize play-based learning as a way to nurture curiosity, creativity, and independence in children. Through engaging activities, children explore the world around them, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills.
Learning Through Exploration
In a Montessori environment, children are encouraged to explore and discover at their own pace. Whether it’s playing with blocks, puzzles, or outdoor games, they learn by doing. This hands-on approach allows them to engage with the material in a meaningful way and fosters a deeper understanding of concepts.
Building Independence and Responsibility
Play in Montessori education is often self-directed, meaning children choose the activities that interest them. This autonomy helps them develop a sense of independence and responsibility for their learning. They learn to make decisions, manage their time, and take ownership of their education.
Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Through play, children encounter challenges that require them to think critically and find solutions. Whether they’re building a structure or figuring out how to complete a game, they practice problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success and everyday life.
Developing Social Skills
Play also provides an opportunity for children to interact with their peers, learn social norms, and build friendships. Group play encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy, all of which are important for healthy social development.
The Montessori Approach to Play at Silverlily
At Silverlily School, our Montessori-inspired classrooms are filled with educational toys, games, and materials that stimulate both cognitive and social development. We believe that play is a powerful tool for learning and personal growth.
by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
Supporting Children with Learning Challenges
At Silverlily School, we believe that every child is capable of learning and succeeding, no matter the challenges they may face. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where children with learning difficulties receive the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Identifying Learning Challenges Early
Early intervention is key to helping children with learning challenges succeed. Our experienced teachers are trained to recognize the signs of learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or developmental delays. Once identified, we work closely with parents and specialists to create an individualized education plan (IEP) tailored to the child’s needs.
Personalized Learning Plans
Children with learning challenges often require personalized learning strategies that suit their pace and style of learning. Our teachers use a variety of techniques, including one-on-one instruction, visual aids, and hands-on learning activities, to ensure that these students stay engaged and understand the material.
Emotional and Social Support
In addition to academic support, we provide emotional and social guidance to children with learning challenges. Our counselors work with students to build self-esteem and develop coping strategies, ensuring they feel confident and capable both inside and outside the classroom.
Parental Involvement and Collaboration
We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child’s educational journey. That’s why we maintain open lines of communication with families and encourage parental involvement. We provide regular updates on each child’s progress and work together to ensure that the child is receiving the best possible support.
Inclusive Classrooms
At Silverlily School, we practice inclusion, where children with learning challenges are integrated into regular classrooms. This not only helps them learn alongside their peers but also fosters empathy and understanding among all students.
by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
The Role of Art in Early Childhood Development
Art is more than just fun at Silverlily School—it’s an essential part of our curriculum that nurtures creativity, cognitive development, and emotional expression in children. Through painting, drawing, and crafting, our students engage in activities that stimulate their brains, build fine motor skills, and foster emotional well-being.
Cognitive Development Through Art
Art helps young children develop cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. When a child paints or draws, they engage their brain in critical thinking—choosing colors, shapes, and techniques. This process also stimulates creativity and innovation, encouraging them to think outside the box.
Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
Painting, drawing, and cutting with scissors require precise hand movements, helping children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These activities strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which are essential for tasks like writing and using tools.
Emotional Expression and Self-Confidence
Art provides a safe outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions. Whether they’re drawing a happy memory or painting a picture of their family, art allows them to communicate emotions they might not be able to express in words. This creative expression boosts self-confidence and helps children develop a positive sense of self.
Encouraging Imagination and Creativity
At Silverlily School, we encourage children to explore their imagination through art. From freehand drawing to structured craft projects, our students are given the freedom to create without limitations. This fosters creativity, which is not only vital for artistic pursuits but also for problem-solving in other areas of life.
Art Programs at Silverlily
We offer a wide range of art programs, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and crafts. Our classrooms are filled with vibrant materials and tools that inspire creativity and allow children to explore their artistic talents.
by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
Enhancing Social Skills Through Group Activities
At Silverlily School, we understand the critical role social skills play in a child’s development. Group activities are central to our teaching philosophy, allowing children to interact, collaborate, and grow together. These activities provide a platform for students to develop essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Building Teamwork Through Collaboration
In the classroom, students participate in group projects that require teamwork. Whether it’s building a model, solving puzzles, or creating a group presentation, these activities teach children to work together towards a common goal. They learn to appreciate each other’s strengths, delegate tasks, and support one another, fostering a spirit of cooperation.
Improving Communication Skills
Group activities also provide an excellent opportunity for children to practice effective communication. They learn to express their ideas clearly, listen to their peers, and offer constructive feedback. These communication skills are vital for future academic success and social interactions outside the classroom.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Collaborative learning encourages children to solve problems as a team. Faced with challenges, they brainstorm solutions, evaluate different perspectives, and make decisions together. This process enhances their critical thinking skills and teaches them the value of considering diverse viewpoints.
Fostering Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
In group settings, children learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others. They practice empathy by understanding different emotions and resolving conflicts amicably. These interactions promote emotional intelligence, which is key to developing meaningful relationships later in life.
Group Activities at Silverlily
At Silverlily School, group activities range from academic projects to team sports and games. These activities are designed to be fun yet educational, ensuring that children develop both socially and academically in a supportive environment.
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by gbenga | Sep 11, 2024 | Latest Articles
A well-rounded education is crucial for the overall development of a child. At Silverlily School, we believe that education should not only focus on academic excellence but also nurture creativity, physical development, and emotional well-being. Our unique approach blends Montessori, British, and Nigerian curricula to ensure that children receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
The Academic and Non-Academic Balance
A balanced curriculum integrates core academic subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Literacy with activities that promote artistic expression, physical fitness, and social skills. This holistic approach encourages students to explore their interests, build their strengths, and address areas for improvement in a supportive environment.
For example, while traditional academic lessons provide the foundation for critical thinking and knowledge, extracurricular activities such as music, sports, and art help students develop creativity, teamwork, and resilience. This balance ensures that children grow into well-rounded individuals, capable of handling both intellectual and emotional challenges.
