Baan Rak For the littlest among the little ones.
The iron bars and gate may be a discouraging sight at
first, but one can’t help but notice the high-arched roof that filled the open space within and a small housemodeled reception office up front which would be the doorway little children stumble past everyday with their stubby feet. It was here in Klongtoei district, tugged away at the heart of buzzling Bangkok lies a peaceful sanctuary for, surprisingly, the littlest of the little ones.
The Baanrak kindergarten was established since 1984 and still operates today, busier than ever, it seems. Arriving in the morning were the kids and their parents, in their kindergarten uniform. While some were reluctant of venturing forth into the school, many were eager to engulf themselves in all the fun they knew they would find within it. The reason for this is because of the philosophy employed here based of Waldorf education – in the believe that it is essential for young children to be exposed to educational activities at an early age, but also to give them the sense of security and warmth so that they can relate to and comfortably benefit from their preschool days.
“It is always important to create an environment that encourages children to learn” says Abhisiree, Baanrak co-founder “We strive not only to give them the opportunity of early education, but to make sure that they can fully benefitv from the programs. Children need a fun, safe environment. That is why this place is called Baanrak”. We felt that this was true. Baanrak literally meant “House
of Love”. The staffs work hard to not only ensure the safety of the campus, but treat the children with warmth and care, giving them that sense of familial bond. While it is unlike a child and mother relationship, the children can take the opportunity to learn to interact with others of their age and still receive the attention and care they need.
When education is the word to describe what Baanrak provides, of course it doesn’t mean academic education. While kindergartens prepare children for school, by no means does this entail that young kids need to know basic math before they can handle it. Touring around the campus, we see great educational exercises at work. For example, when having snacks, children line up and take their seats in orderly manner, without actually marching like soldiers. It can be seen clearly that they were educated to become naturally disciplined – by kindergarten standards, that is. Children are not forced into disciplinary customs, rather, they are simply taught and absorb those ideas. Children eat in graceful manners surprising for their age, and collect their dishes when they are done. As in the picture, however; it is not uncommon that children become upset and cry for attention in an absence of any real reason. It is in a child’s nature and Baanrak encourages these as healthy behaviors. “Kids cry. As long as they learn moderation, it is perfectly healthy”
After all this is not a training camp. It is a kindergarten, and by break time, we see this in full spectrum. Kids here do run around, build imaginary castles from tables and chairs and in some cases - attempt to eat flowers. Baanrak ensures that these children can explore their world with the others in a comfortable and safe environment. The teachers are quick to arrive on a scene of even minor injury and cries for aid - so children are free to focus on their enjoyment, which Baanrak believes is the necessary stepping stone to effective learning. Other activities we didn’t get to see includes cooking, planting, swimming ,etc.
While it is not so hard to apart a Japanese adult to a Thai one, it is quite the challenge to have figured out that we were among Japanese kids before they start screaming in Japanese. This is even harder when it seems that both Thai and Japanese children seem to get along, play together and sometimes talk to each other, with their own languages in reply to another. Oweing to Mr. Masaki Sato, Abhisiree’s husband and also Baanrak co-founder, the admission from Japanese families are increasing. “Our cultures here are intwined” says Abhisiree,”Parents from both Thai and Japanese families take turns to do activities with these children as well. It is a facility ran by community”. Parents give the kids performances on their culture’s folklore, exposing the children to cultural differences at an early age.
Abhisiree Charanjavanaphet - an Ashoka awarded educationist - at her 20th year with Waldorf education philosophy at Baanrak Kindergarten, comments on child-centered approach “What we must understand first is children need protection by grownups, next is the nature of children and what might keep them off balance.” Regarding childcentered misinterpretation, “learning to study, play and explore life is essential for the children. In practice, however, they are often instead ‘fed’ education against their will” Asked how different Waldorf education is from generic kindergarten, she replied “Commonly children tries to be what their teachers and parents want them to be, losing opportunity for a child to experience the world in their own ways. Eating, sleeping, playing, living; everyday we let them know the life cycle. Timely activities help them become lively and attentive to what we instruct.”
The end of the day comes quickly. The children starts leaving at about 1pm, while some wait for their parents until 3 or 4pm, which didn’t seem like a hassle considering they can still enjoy time with friends, nap, or just play around. Of course, the teachers are still on active duty. Many children take the school’s van home, again, lining up onto the cars, where the teachers help them up and continue to escort them on the van.
The Japanese koi fish flag is on display at this time of the year, celebrating the cultural achievement of Baanrak. “We engage children in cultural activities so that they understand it’s significance. The children help put this display together”. It is a hopeful sight, at the last. If only all children are immersed in a multi-cultural life here in such a kindergarten, we can more than hope for an accepting next generation where the world’s cultures can come to a compromise. The innocence of children just allows for so much possibilities. With the help of Baanrak, those possibilities just seems so much more likely.
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