Pedagogy

Every child is an autonomous personality actively shaping her/his own development. They have their own needs and interests, their experience and understanding, their questions and answers. We believe in safeguarding and nurturing the individual traits of a child and at the same time facilitating her/his integration in the society. We take an open classroom approach as a decisive working principle. More specific tasks and requirements arise out of the daily practical life in the Centre. Snehan keeps the following goals at the forefront:

1. self-determination and autonomy
2. solidarity, tolerance and the capability of living in a community
3. independence, ability to act and social competence

Pedagogy Approach
Snehan is a learning organization where teachers work closely with children and constantly learn and evolve their approach towards them. They are open to feedbacks, suggestions and requests of the parents; and try to find ways of accommodating them. Therefore, parents and pedagogical staff are partners in the care and education of children. Our whole approach is based on constant analysis of the educational situation and revise our pedagogical processes from time to time. Our goal is to achieve a holistic development of every child, so we focus on:

Language Skills: As Snehan caters to children hailing from different cultures and languages, we encourage intercultural encounters. The language used – English or Hindi – is put into a natural context with visible actions (facial expression, gestures, pointing). By creating authentic situations of language use, children acquire language through immersion. We try to make the immersion situation as varied and intensive as possible as the development of the child’s competence in the second language is dependent upon it.

Socialization Skills: The teachers at Snehan provide adequate play situations where younger and older children mingle together and share their experiences and competences. With minimal interference, they are encouraged to work in peer groups and handle minor conflicts arising from the situation.

Cognitive & Motor Skills: The teachers create a stimulating learning culture that arouses children’s curiosity, their pleasure in discovering and experimenting, and develops their ability to express themselves. With simple activities like nature walks, storytelling, books, puzzles, etc., we try to enhance their cognition. There are ample indoor and outdoor activities to develop their motor skills.

Imaginative and Creative Skills: We engage children through a myriad range of colorful and fun-filled activities that require them to think, imagine and interpret. We involve them in light chitter-chatter where they can share their experiences and interpretations of the world around them.

Child Independence Skills: Independence and democratic sharing, i.e. mutual respect and recognition, presuppose active participation in daily life. For this reason, children are encouraged to participate in all matters concerning them. They have the option of choosing the room they prefer for their play inside and outside the house, and decide for themselves when, how long and with whom they wish to play. With minimal interference, they are encouraged to perform simple tasks on their own. Learning to negotiate values and handle conflicts play an important role in the daily life of the child care centre.

Gender-specific Identity: The differences existing between boys and girls are taken into account and respected. Stereotypic role allocation and acceptance is critically opposed.