My last semester (Oct-Feb.2009) in college was spent outside Miriam College. Together with my three other classmates, we were going to Summit School everyday as Practicumers. Our experience was as highly interactive as its approach is to its students, teachers and parents.
Summit International School is a highly progressive preschool that uses the Bank Street Approach that caters to the different cultural background of each child. The school’s vision-mission is very child-centered where children are involved in the learning process that is suited for their age and development.
No children can hesitate Summit. They are coming to class everyday happy and excited. Absenteeism is very seldom unless they are very sick or there is a family thing. Children love to sing the songs as teacher sings with them. They love to listen to stories shared by the teacher. Sometimes, they would even ask for it more than once. Children in Summit are confident and secure. They are not forced, pushed or pressured to do something that is not appropriate for their age and development. The curriculum developed by Summit School is a balanced one for the wholistic development of each child.
CLASSROOM ROUTINE
Arrival and Morning Meeting
Each morning children arrive at the campus with music playing happily while the teachers greet them one by one. While children are coming in, there are centers that they can go to and do certain activities before Morning Meeting (or Circle Time) is called.
Morning Meeting is a time for singing many songs that pertains to the checking of class attendance, days of the week, weather etc. Through the songs, the teacher is able to check the attendance, know the day’s weather, date and day with the class. The teacher reads also the Morning Message which tells the activities that await them for the day. The 20-40 minutes time alloted for this seem short and easy but it is one of the most challenging job for the teacher. The atmosphere during this time sets out the kind of attitude on how the children will be for the whole day.
Work Time
Since the Three’s class is quite a big group (but with 2 main teachers and 2 practicumers), they are divided into three groups. The activities are rotated among the 3 groups during the week. Children are assigned to the Writing Area, Blocks Area or Dramatic Play Area, Language or Math Area. On a particular day, it is Art Time for all.
Snack Time
Differences of culture are shared with the rest of the class as they have “Family-Style Snack” everyday. The parent of the child is assigned for the day to bring in snack for the whole class. The snack will depend on the parent.
Full-Group
Once again, they are gathered together. Teacher sings songs, reads a story with the children, talk to the children about the topic or theme or some teacher-made activities for the whole group.
Outdoor Play
The most exciting part for all of the children. During outdoor play, they also learn lessons related to the theme. Teacher makes activities that are associated with the theme or topic. Aside from enhancing their gross motor skills, it’s also a great time to teach children the values of sharing and taking turns. They have the Gym Area, Sand Area, Geodome Area, Center Field Area and Pet Area.
End of the Day Meeting
After the activity, they learn to change their own clothes as teachers instruct them how and they do it on their own. At the meeting, teacher reads a story or two, reviews what happened during the day and sing their bye-bye songs.
If you are an interested parent to get your child into a highly-progressive school like this, you may visit the school in the Fort, Bonifacio, Tagiug City. It is right after International School Manila and across Japanese International School.
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