They are so small, yet they must already be introduced to life. Play and learn! Is it possible to respect childhood years while responding to the demands of efficiency? This is the major challenge of all kindergartens. In Guanhsi, Taiwan, teachers have dared to explore new educational avenues.
They have not yet reached the age of six. Early in the morning, their working parents drop them off at the kindergarten and fetch them between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.All day, they are under the watchful eye of their teachers who commit themselves to giving them a solid foundation.
Beginnings of the Kindergarten in Guanhsi
In 1956, after the Maoist Revolution in China, the MIC Sisters arrived in Guanhsi, Taiwan.New in their milieu and seeking to be in contact with the people, they began by offering their services to the little ones. At that time, they were unique in opening a kindergarten; today there are approximately 12 to 15 kindergartens in the same city. When this service opened its doors, people in the vicinity were poor and could not afford a minimum fee.Today, the city is prosperous; very few families deprive themselves of such a service.Though competition is growing, the people, majority of whom are non Christians, continue to put their trust in the Sisters.
Training Character
Much attention is given to training the children on a human level: politeness, respect for others, hygiene.The little ones are also introduced to prayer and Christian values. No matter what the country, children are children and quarrels do happen: hitting each other, pulling hair, biting, kicking, these are actions that occur. They are taught taught by Sr. Juanita to forgive and amend. She takes the two youngsters who caused the trouble aside, and the one who attacked first must gently pat the other where the hurt was done, so as to bring healing. The children never resist. A few seconds later, they laugh together and become good friends again.Attentive to her little kindergartners, Sr. Juanita never leaves a child isolated: she brings each one to the group and sees to it that integration takes place.
Sr. Maria-Goretti, directress of the centre, offers specialties that only she knows the secret of. Thanks to her expertise, children take pleasure in being initiated to mathematics using the Chinese abacus. They move the little balls around and enjoy the click-clack noise as if it were a musical instrument. Even before they reach school age they are introduced to basic computer notions.They recognize the written characters of their name and learn to write them. In small groups, they are taught music and, with musical instruments, they perform recitals and enchant the parents.
Meals are served class by class. Before eating the children thank the Lord for the food, this teaches them patience and
courtesy. Parents confirm that their little ones often introduce this practice into the family.
A New Method for Practicing and Actively Learning English
To arouse interest in learning English, the teachers and MICs decided to plan an activity that would provide ways of putting into practice what the children learned. A mini restaurant was set-up which includes Chinese and Western foods. Sr. Mary Hsu teaches the children how to prepare sandwiches and small vegetables in vinegar. The toddlers follow attentively all the instructionsand go about their chores with much joy and enthusiasm. The entire school personnel helps prepare the menu : cream of rice, juice extracted from the guava fruit which the children hand-pick in the schoolyard, and many other delicious foods.
Each child receives NT$50 (CAN $2.50) to buy his or her favourite food. The older ones wearing an apron and white cap made by Sr. Gabrielle, act as vendors. Pencils in hand, they go around taking orders and giving receipts. It’s like a little beehive… everyone has something to do.
At the entrance, a little girl welcomes the clients and the teachers guide them. Each order costs no more than 50 cents: the children must return to the food counter until their purchase has come to a total of $2.50. All this goes on in English. It is fantastic to see how children apply the words they have learned in class. Chuckles and laughter often fill the air. This game, though short, is greatly appreciated by all.
Counselling Offered
During activity time, it is easy to detect the children who have problems.To offset their deficiencies, counselling is in place. During the counselling sessions, a child is invited to play in a sandbox with toys of his or her choice. One day, a young boy opted for a truck and a small car; with the car, he kept pushing the truck with determination. He was silent. Suddenly, he abruptly pushed the truck and overthrew it. The boy seemed relieved. After a few questions, the therapist discovered that the boy was traumatized by his father. How to help this child? She began dialoguing with the parents and gave them some advice in regards to their actions and ways of approaching the boy. The same is done to protect the toddlers from sexual abuse. Using dolls and drawings, a child expresses his or herself; in turn, the therapist can help him or her discover beauty and joy in life, thus enabling the little one to be as happy as the other youngsters.
Childhood is a determining stage in life. It is a time of learning within a loving and trustworthy environment. Isn’t the goal of a kindergarten to provide the child with a space where constructive experiences can take place? Where discoveries are made? Where pedagogical activities designed for children in their age-group assure them opportunities for an integral development? They are so small… yet so grown-up!
About the author:
Sr. Huguette, nurse, therapist,
with pastoral experience,
worked 27 years in Taiwan.
She is now in Montreal
and is a collaborator at the
Centre Le Pèlerin.
MIC MISSION NEWS
January - February - March 2007