Nurturing Cognitive Development: A Holistic Approach at Stella Maris Gading Serpong
Cognitive function involves activities or processes that demonstrate an individual’s ability to communicate, connect, assess, and comprehend events. This ability is closely related to how a child acquires knowledge. Often, people assess cognitive development based on academic achievements in school. Beyond that, cognitive development can be observed through critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of cause-and-effect concepts.
As soon as a child is born, their brain starts growing and learning from everything around them. This learning process, called cognitive development, is how a child understands the world. Grown-ups, like parents and caregivers, play a super important role during this special time, especially from when a child is born until they’re 6 years old. These early years are like a golden age because kids grow really fast – not just in their bodies but also in their thinking and understanding of things. So, during this time, children are like little sponges soaking up all sorts of information and skills that help them in many ways.
Parents can play a significant role in supporting their child’s cognitive development by introducing story books, educational games, music lessons, and outdoor activities. Choosing a school that provides appropriate developmental facilities during this golden age is essential. Stella Maris Preschool Gading Serpong offers various programs designed to foster cognitive development. Classroom learning, guided by professional teachers, begins at the age of 2. Students benefit not only from teacher-led sessions but also from collaborations with vendors like Koding Next, SMART Kids, and Engineering for Kids, each offering unique advantages in the cognitive development process.
One notable collaboration is with IT Preneur, in conjunction with SMART Kids, providing a computer education curriculum starting from Preschool. IT Preneur sessions occur weekly in the ICT lab, where students are taught to independently use computers. Through interactive educational games, IT Preneur helps students learn colors, numbers, counting, reading, spot differences, patterns, and more.
Stella Maris Preschool Gading Serpong has introduced coding lessons as a intracurricular program, conducted once a week. The Coding lesson, in collaboration with Koding Next, involve specialized instructors who teach using diverse media, ranging from board games and interactive worksheets to tablet applications. Coding lesson enhances children’s computational skills, teaching them basic coding concepts and guiding them in creating their first code sequences using mobile applications. The ultimate goal is to foster logical thinking, skill development, understanding algorithms, and creating simple code sequences.
Furthermore, another unique program at Stella Maris Preschool Gading Serpong, developed in partnership with Engineering For Kids (EFK), not only introduces children to the realms of science, technology, engineering, and math but also fosters a hands-on learning experience. Through engaging activities, children not only gain a foundational understanding of these subjects but also develop critical problem-solving skills and the ability to concentrate effectively.
Apart from the mentioned programs, Stella Maris Preschool Gading Serpong provides various activities to help kids learn and think better. They include circle time, fun trips, small outings, and different events. The idea is to make exploring things easy and fun, giving children lots of chances to experience and learn during their important early years. We commit to cultivate a dynamic learning environment where cognitive development is at the forefront. Beyond structured programs, our diverse range of engaging activities is designed to stimulate young minds, fostering cognitive growth and laying a comprehensive foundation for their ongoing educational exploration.
Written by Cecilia Widyandaru Belladewi (Preschool Teacher Stella Maris School Gading Serpong)
