A Visit to HighScope Demonstration School in Michigan
Picture Together in front of School (Petrus, Kins, Nadine, Ida, Nanik, and Leslie Kim)
Creating a Long Term Positive Impact for Early Childhood through a Safe and Comfortable School Environment
Creating a culture of peace and justice is not difficult, nor is it easy to do, but it is possible. At least this is what I observed when I visited the HighScope Demonstration School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, on May 09, 2023.
HighScope Demonstration School focuses on giving children positive experiences in their early development, so that children are able to decide what is right for them in everyday life.
Children feel the positive impact of learning over a long period of time at the HighScope Demonstration School. This experience creates good memories for children in every phase of life. Here I learned that school is a source of life practices that inspire children in real life.
We observed the design of learning centers such as reading centers, swings and moving toys that support developing motor skills, as well as outdoor activities that support children’s relationship with nature. Teachers and parents discuss children’s health information openly so teachers at school and parents at home can decide how to care for the children and support them with their health conditions.
It was valuable for me to see how different the experiences of children at HighScope are from my own early experiences. I saw children in early stages of development being introduced to various miniatures of life, for instance, toy frogs. When I was little we were not allowed to play with frogs because they were dirty. I realized that our teacher forbade it because the river near our school is a polluted river, so of course our teacher forbids it. We don’t have frog toys. The only way to know a frog is to look directly at the river.
At HighScope Demonstration School, the outdoor playground is designed with high safety standards, so that children are safe when playing. Children are also told that if they are going to pass through the school fence they must be accompanied by an adult.
Reflecting on this visit to HighScope School, I feel it is important to pay attention to the need for early childhood education facilities to allow children to explore and have real life experiences. This is one way to create a culture of peaceful living. A safe and comfortable environment supports the development of children.