《声音》启明星专刊 VOICES for Daystar Academy VOICES Spring/Summer Edition 2019 | Page 22

ELC CORNER
It’s OK to Be
Different!
Different
By Belle Wang, Montessri Chinese Lead Teacher,
Daystar Academy Beigao Campus
W
hether in the multicultural school
atmosphere at Daystar Academy or in
cultural theme activities, children are
exposed to and realize the existence of
multiple ethnic groups, multiple cultures and different
people in the world. The exploration of cultural theme
enables children to understand life because respect
comes from understanding.
During our Virtues Circle time, children in CASA
often discuss how to respect, understand and accept
differences in daily communication. In fact, for
children, discovering and developing their virtues is
just as important as learning math, music and language.
Children in CASA learn in a mixed-age environment
(2.5-6 years old). Perhaps it’s hard to imagine how a
young child entering CASA can learn from his or her
older peers. However, older children help pour water
for younger children, wipe away their tears when
they miss their mothers, help them in games and tell
Daystar Academy Spring/Summer Edition 2019
“We should not only give children the world,
but also give them a clear picture of people
in the world. So, the way the world works and
the way people live are two basic elements.
Besides, we must make it clear to children that
man will make contributions to his fellows.”
– Maria Montessori
them, “Don’t worry. I will show you”. Through this,
the children not only learn to socialize with different
age groups, but also develop a caring character. This
character will become a part of them through day-to-
day behaviors and activities. Younger children learn
through role-modeling, hoping that one day they can
help others like the older children and show their
capabilities and what they have learned. Acceptance
and care will become part of their lives.
With this as our core belief, our Casa graduates (the
oldest children in the class who above 5 years old)
began a virtue practical activity at the start of this
Spring. Led by teachers, they visited a nearby learning
center for children with disabilities call “Our Learning
House” and read, sang and played games with children
there.