Children's Learning Centre
An unconditional acceptance and respect for each individual is our starting point. Dialogue, building non-competitive, trusting relationships and participatory/negotiated learning are our way forward. As far as methods go, we believe that one must remain flexible and willing to respond reflectively, sensitively and appropriately to each child
We are an alternative education centre that attempts to let children learn at their own pace, free of fear and coercion to help them grow into self-disciplined, self motivated, independent learners.
We do not believe in competition and stress on cooperation as a way to motivate and bring out the talents of the children. While accepting the idea of different levels of capacities of children in particular areas, we try to identify the varied natural abilities and interests of the child and nurture them in multiple directions.
We like to maintain a strength of around 75 children. The teacher-student ratio is maintained at 1:15 to ensure individualized attention by the teacher. This helps nurture and maintain the personal relationships between children and teachers that is so important to the way we work.
Features of Children's Learning Centre
Learning that is personally meaningful and fun – Learners are considered active participants, whose interests and motivations are important considerations. We support and encourage the child to become more self-aware, to strive for excellence in some area of interest, Hence, the whole learning process becomes joyful and meaningful for the learner.
Independent learning and critical thinking - Learners are encouraged to reason and think independently and learn through discovery and discussions and connecting with their own real-life experiences. Democratic spaces for discussions - with children and adults as peers, opportunities for self-reflection through dialogue, art, writing and craft, etc are some of the ways we engage in to foster this.
Building sensitivity to social and environmental issues - Children are made aware of environmental, social and ethical issues and are encouraged to think about them and discuss them.
Broad curriculum - Art, craft, music and drama are given equal importance for building confidence, emotional expression, fostering cognitive development, creativity and enriching the learner's aesthetic sense.
An ‘inclusive’ space – quality education must not be restricted to exclusive private spaces accessible only to the privileged. We believe that learning spaces should be inclusive and hence, in addition to children from middle and upper middle class families, the centre has a special commitment to children from under-privileged groups as well as to the academically challenged/ differently abled children. Education at CFL is not restricted to those with an ability to pay. Girls are given more support to encourage them to come to the centre.
