Monday, April 14, 2014 C5
SPECIAL REPORT: SUMMER COURSE
Classroom fun in the sun
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(From left) Sebo Smook, Bertie Fairclough, and Alice Voelkerling play with puzzles as part of the Montessori way of learning. Photo: IMS
Sensory learning Montessori school uses an interactive environment to stimulate a hunger for knowledge, writes Chris Lau
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inding an alternative to Hong Kong’s heavily text-based education has become an increasingly important bandwagon among local parents and educators alike. At the International Montessori School (IMS), cofounders Anne Sawyer and Karin Ann take pride in educating children in a “Montessori way” – using not only words, but also different elements that stimulate children’s multiple senses to facilitate learning. This summer, the duo is set to host their 13th learning experience camp, open to all children in Hong Kong. “The IMS classroom is completely different from a traditional one, and the summer programme is a unique opportunity for children to experience learning through the multi-sensory and interactive environment that is typical of Montessori,” says Ann, who founded the primary schooland-kindergarten’s first campus with Sawyer 12 years ago. “Through this exploration, the children acquire knowledge
Karin Ann
and confidence in a joyful way and walk away feeling learning is fulfilling and fun,” she adds. Developed by Italian educator Maria Montessori, the ground-breaking school of thought encourages minimum interferences over what children should learn and the way they acquire knowledge. Compared to the spoon-feeding practice commonly found in many Asian cultures, Montessori education aims to spark curiosity in young minds, so that instead, they take self-motivated baby steps to pursue knowledge. Sawyer and Ann founded the school – which now has four campuses all over Hong Kong Island – because they saw a gaping hole in the city’s rigid education system. The two-week camp will run for four rounds throughout the summer, catering to children aged three to nine years old. With costs varying from HK$4,600 to HK$7,300, parents can pick different sessions according to their children’s needs. The camp is divided into three modules: Montessori Read & Write, Mathematics Made Easy, and IMS Sports Camp. Offering a sneak peek, Ann says: “One of the things we often use to teach kids [Chinese] is through touching the words and matching them with objects. “We let them feel the stroke orders on the sand paper, and allow them to draw on a large writing board with chalks and practise writing characters on a sand tray,” she adds. According to Ann, some people are visual learners, while others learn through interacting
with different textures of materials. “By merging all the sensory experiences, children therefore get a maximised input, which enhances their learning process.” One parent, surnamed Tsoi, enrolled her two sons in the camp last year. She says the Montessori pedagogy really helps children build a craving for knowledge. “The children I know who are in the Montessori system are really encouraged to ask questions,” says Tsoi, whose elder son is a student at the school. “When students have questions, teachers’ role is to expand the topic. They may say, ‘look, I don’t know either. Let’s research that together’,” she says. “Students are then taken to the library or garden, where they get to do their own research.” Ann also points out that it’s important to tell children the origins of things and how they are relevant to the mankind. This helps set the context. “Once, we had to teach the kids about the solar system, so we told them stories about different planets,” she recalls. “One of the kids, who became really interested in the formation of universe after the class, ended up going home and asking his mum how big space is. This really helps them explore.” Children remember 30 per cent of what they hear, 20 per cent of what they see, and 70 per cent of what they do, Ann notes. The type of education they experience in the camp upholds Montessori values. “This ultimately fuels their desire to be lifelong learners,” she says.
he best summer camps for youngsters combine fun and learning, and that is exactly the formula used for programmes offered this year by ESF Educational Services (ESL). The thinking behind each of the holiday courses is to help children improve their English language skills, while also giving them the chance to explore new areas of interest in an energised, interactive environment. “We want to give students a fun time and ensure they keep learning during the holidays,” says Emma Dorrell, education manager for ESL. “That is why we have a core language programme for different age groups, and specialist courses, taught in English but focusing on things like science, cookery, and writing.” For instance, new this year is a drama class for children of kindergarten age. Among other choices, six- and seven-year-olds can join the artists’ club or sign up for science and discovery. Options for students up to the age of 16 include subjects as diverse as writing with style, “food glorious food”, debate and presentation, and entrepreneurial skills. The introduction of more specialist courses is a direct result of their popularity with students and rising parental demand. In large part, this is due
to the deliberately relaxed atmosphere of each camp, letting students learn without the pressures of daily school life, and mix with a new group. “We make sure everyone has access to materials, understands the theme of the main lessons, and feels safe and comfortable in their class,” Dorrell says. Programmes generally last five or six days, with classes on consecutive mornings, and will run over a period of six weeks. There is also the option of fullday camps, with language-based courses each morning followed by afternoon sports activities. Dorrell says all camps take place at ESF schools, which are equipped with first-rate facilities
and so children can get out into the playground during breaks. Summer camp teachers need degrees, native-level English proficiency, specific teaching qualifications, and several years’ practical experience. “We have a range of teachers, some from the ESF system, some from other Hong Kong international schools. If necessary, we arrange training and workshops on the skills for summer camp teaching. Classes are observed on a regular basis to ensure a consistently high standard,” Dorrell explains. Another new departure is a specialist course in beginner’s Spanish for primary-age children. John Cremer
ESL summer camps let children explore new interests. Photo: ESL