Learners Inspire Curiosity Through Play at Little Caliphs Excellent Centre
This week, our learners began a new placement at Little Caliphs Excellent Centre and Integrated Islamic School of Shah Alam, where they have been gaining valuable insight into early years education and childcare practice in Malaysia.
The week started in the nursery, where our learners spent time observing practice, supporting staff, and joining children during literacy activities and song time. These experiences provided an excellent opportunity to compare different approaches to early years education while developing professional skills in a real-world setting.
One of the highlights of the placement has been working alongside a teacher who has recently completed Reggio Emilia training and is keen to introduce elements of this child-centred approach into the nursery environment. The Reggio Emilia philosophy encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn through their own interests and curiosity, making it an exciting opportunity for both staff and learners.
Supporting Children's Exploration and Curiosity
As part of their placement, our learners were challenged to design and set up an activity that would encourage children’s natural curiosity and exploration.
They enthusiastically embraced the task, carefully preparing resources and planning an engaging hands-on experience for the children. Together with nursery staff, they suggested an activity where the children could make their own play dough, allowing them to experiment, create, and learn through sensory play.
The setup included a variety of natural materials, measuring tools, ingredients, and colourings, creating an inviting learning environment that encouraged children to investigate and discover for themselves.
Practical Learning Through Play Dough
The following morning, the play dough activity proved to be a huge success.
Supported by both staff and our learners, the children eagerly explored different textures, mixed ingredients together, and experimented with creating new colours. The activity sparked conversations, encouraged problem-solving, and provided opportunities for children to make choices and express their creativity.
The excitement and concentration on the children’s faces demonstrated the value of practical, hands-on learning experiences. Through play, they were developing fine motor skills, communication, confidence, and early scientific thinking without even realising they were learning.
Building Skills Through International Placements
For our learners, this experience has been invaluable. Not only have they gained first-hand experience of early years practice in another country, but they have also contributed ideas, supported children’s learning, and worked collaboratively with educational professionals from a different cultural background.
Placements like this showcase the power of international learning opportunities, helping learners develop confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of diverse educational approaches.
We look forward to seeing what the rest of the week brings as our learners continue to support staff and children at Little Caliphs Excellent Centre and Integrated Islamic School of Shah Alam.
