ELEMENTARY

About Our Approach

Focusing on Age Sensitivities in Child Development

The educational program at Ecole Schools is carefully designed to align with children’s developmental needs at each stage. Elementary school-aged children continue to develop in multiple areas, including:

• Academic and Cognitive Skills
• Social and Emotional Growth
• Willpower and Character Development
• Physical and Moral Development

At this stage, children explore a wide range of subjects such as reading, writing, music, mathematics, sports, art, science, foreign languages, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, leadership, and teamwork. The curriculum ensures a balance between individual learning, small group work, and large group activities to support their holistic development.

Focusing on the Learning Process Rather Than Achievement

Ecole Schools encourages children to embrace learning as a journey rather than focusing solely on results. This approach:
✅ Reduces fear of mistakes and promotes resilience.
✅ Fosters a genuine love for learning.
✅ Encourages curiosity and exploration.

By shifting the emphasis away from competition and towards personal growth, students become confident and self-motivated learners.

Providing Education Based on How Children Learn

Education at Ecole Schools is structured according to the natural learning processes of children. Learning is most effective when it:
✔️ Engages multiple senses and emotions.
✔️ Includes learning through experience and movement.
✔️ Supports individual learning styles and self-paced progress.

Each child’s unique learning style is respected, ensuring that education is adapted to their personal pace and strengths.

Evaluating the Advantages of Mixed-Age Group Learning

Children at Ecole Schools are grouped into three-year learning cohorts. This structure allows:
👶 Younger children to learn from older peers.
🧑‍🎓 Older children to develop leadership skills by mentoring younger classmates.
🤝 A stronger sense of community and collaboration.

This natural learning environment mirrors real-world interactions, fostering confidence, independence, and teamwork.

Community and Parental Involvement

Ecole Schools values strong collaboration between parents and educators. Parents are:
👨‍👩‍👦 Encouraged to participate in school programs.
🌍 Given the opportunity to share their cultural background.
📊 Regularly updated on their child’s progress through observation and documentation.

By involving parents, Ecole Schools ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the home environment.

Educational Philosophy

Children Should Experience a Sense of Achievement

The primary emotion of elementary school-aged children is a sense of achievement. At this stage, children:
🏆 Enjoy planning and executing projects.
🧠 Develop intellectual skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
🎯 Benefit from setting realistic, consistent goals.

Achievement is not just about academic success—it also includes:

• Emotional development and willpower training.
• The ability to persevere through challenges.
• Being appreciated and recognized for effort.

Education Should Enable the Child to Use Brain Capacity Effectively

Thinking creatively and critically is key to maximizing brain capacity. Ecole Schools fosters:
🔍 Out-of-the-box thinking.
🔄 The ability to see problems from multiple perspectives.
🎨 A flexible approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Education Should Develop Self-Management Skills

Beyond academics, children must learn to manage themselves effectively. At Ecole Schools, students:
✅ Develop independence and confidence.
✅ Learn time management and organization.
✅ Understand that success comes from self-discipline, not external pressure.

Rather than constantly managing the child, educators guide them to become responsible for their own emotions, behaviors, and decisions.

A More Liberated Learning Environment Should Be Provided

Overly authoritarian learning environments can:
❌ Cause mental and physical stress.
❌ Suppress creativity and natural development.
❌ Lead to burnout and emotional dissatisfaction.

Ecole Schools provides a freedom-based learning environment, where children explore at their own pace while maintaining structured guidance.

Education Should Not Take Away the Child’s Right to Experience Childhood

Children need time to play, explore, and enjoy their childhood. At Ecole Schools:

• Homework and projects are kept balanced.
• Quality family time is prioritized.
• Children are encouraged to engage in free play and creativity.

Education Should Teach Children How to Learn

One of the most valuable skills a child can acquire is the ability to learn independently. Instead of simply memorizing facts, children are taught:
💡 How to ask questions and research topics.
🧠 How to develop critical thinking skills.
🔍 How to find and evaluate information.

This ensures long-term retention and prepares students for lifelong learning.

Curiosity, Enthusiasm, and Desire to Learn Should Be Encouraged

Curiosity is the driving force of learning. To foster curiosity, education at Ecole Schools:
👀 Engages multiple senses.
🗣️ Encourages active discussion and questioning.
🎭 Uses interactive and hands-on learning methods.

When learning is driven by curiosity and intrinsic motivation, children naturally develop a passion for knowledge.

Children Should Not Be Compared in Education

Ecole Schools believes that comparison harms motivation. Instead of ranking children, educators:
✔️ Encourage personal growth and self-improvement.
✔️ Recognize each child’s unique strengths.
✔️ Use inspiring role models to build character.

Developing Reading Comprehension in the Elementary School Period

Elementary students should focus on reading comprehension, not just speed. At Ecole Schools:
📖 Reading is taught through small, meaningful sections.
👂 Reading aloud with an adult is encouraged.
📝 Text analysis and discussion improve understanding.

Speed reading is introduced after the age of 10, once comprehension skills are fully developed.

Learning Methodology

1. Mentor and Guidance Role

Teachers at Ecole Schools are mentors, not just instructors. They:

• Inspire students through empathy, honesty, and confidence.
• Provide consistent guidance that enhances self-confidence.

2. Positive Communication and Respect

💬 Kindness and mutual respect are at the heart of the learning environment.
🤝 Strong teacher-student relationships increase engagement and motivation.

3. Organizing the Learning Environment

A well-prepared classroom supports:
🎯 Curiosity-driven learning.
🔄 Independent exploration and collaboration.
📚 Both physical and mental engagement.

4. Developing Problem-Solving Skills

Teachers guide students in overcoming challenges, turning difficulties into learning opportunities.

5. Encouraging Student Participation

Students actively engage by:

• Sharing opinions and ideas.
• Participating in project-based learning.
• Receiving individualized feedback.

6. Project-Based Learning and Creativity

Teachers encourage open-ended exploration, allowing students to develop confidence and originality.

7. Social and Cultural Sensitivity

Education extends beyond academics—it fosters social responsibility and cultural awareness.

At Ecole Schools, teachers are more than educators—they are mentors, guides, and role models. By nurturing every aspect of a child’s development, we create independent, confident, and lifelong learners.