Discovery News!
May 2011: University Professors Visit International Preschool in Nagakute
On May 9, 2011 Discovery International School welcomed a visit from Leena Graeffe, Senior Lecturer at Helsinki University in Finland. Ms. Graeffe was in Japan to provide lectures at regional universities about the Finnish model of early childhood education and care.
Front: Y. Shiraishi (Aichi Shukutoku University), A. Shouji (post-graduate student)
Back: C. Kondo (Discovery International School), L. Graeffe (Helsinki University), F. Burke with a student (Discovery International School), R. Yamamoto (Aichi Prefectural University)
Finland consistently ranks at or near the top in worldwide comparisons of student achievement. Early childhood practices in Finland share much in common with the Italian Reggio Emilia Approach, which serves as a model for the preschool program at Discovery. Both models emphasize the importance of play and child-adult partnerships in crafting learning pursuits. Ms. Graeffe commented on her observations at Discovery:
"I can guarantee that children will have wonderful care here. Everybody is so warm and motivated, and the children feel at ease."
Leena Graeffe, Senior Lecturer
University of Helsinki, Finland
Ms. Graeffe was accompanied by Professor Rie Yamamoto and post-graduate student Akemi Shouji of Aichi Prefectural University, and Professor Yoshie Shiraishi of Aichi Shukutoku University. The three are researching ways to improve Japan's model of early childhood education and care.
During their visit, Professor Shiraishi expressed interest in how teachers at the school carefully document children's learning. It was Professor Yamamoto's second visit:
"There are many new students since the last time we visited. It is pleasing to see that the children are so happy and having fun."
Rie Yamamoto, Professor
Aichi Prefectural University, Japan
School Director Finbar Burke stated that Discovery looks forward to maintaining close relationships with the guests and others involved in higher education. "It allows us to stay informed of new developments in education research," he said. "We believe that society needs to pay more mindful attention to early childhood learning. We are a small school, but we are happy to play an active role in promoting children's rights and transformative learning practices."
Read about Discovery International School's Mission Statement.
April 2011: Easter Egg Hunt
Our charity Easter event was attended by more than 30 children and families, and we are very pleased to report that we raised more than ¥25,000 to assist disaster relief efforts in the Tohoku Region!
Children and parents alike scrambled to find colorful eggs hidden throughout our school building, with prizes received for each egg found! Following the Egg Hunt, the children painted beautiful, original designs onto emptied egg shells to take home. We also played games and sang songs--it was a fun time for all! We wish to thank all families who participated in this event and donated money to assist families and children up north!
