SMARTKIDS BRIEF

Fueling a desire for learning by inspiring curiosity
and imagination through HANDS-ON & MINDS-ON activities.

Smartkids is a dynamic learning center providing activities in Lego, technology, electronics, robotics, science, and digital multimedia.  Combining art, technology, and creative content, smartkids aims to provide meaningful learning experiences for children ages 3-14 yrs.

MISSION:

As human beings, we have a deep, inborn curiosity about our world, and ourselves, which is the driving force behind learning throughout our lives.  Sometimes educational environments can dull a child’s natural desire to learn, creating obstacles to achieving their personal goals and dreams. We also believe children will be faced with a great deal of future uncertainty, and as a result, must have an ability to creatively solve problems and independently learn.  It has therefore become our mission, as a learning center, to re-charge a natural desire for learning through hands-on & minds-on activities where students construct, learn about, and explore meaningful objects.   Through these experiences, students will grow-up being intelligent, curious, imaginative, and independent learners who will be better prepared to reach their dreams.

SMARTKIDS PHILOSOPHY:

The smartkids philosophy is inspired by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Prof. Seymour Papert’s learning theory, constructionism.  It build’s on the “constructivist” theories of Jean Piaget, asserting that knowledge is not simply transmitted from teacher to student, but that many of our best learning experiences come when we are engaged in designing and creating things, especially things that are meaningful to us or others around us (Paper 1993).  Moreover, constructionism suggests that learners are particularly likely to make new ideas when they are actively engaged in making some type of external artifact – be it a robot, a poem, a sand castle, or a computer program – which they can reflect upon and share with others. Through constructionism, smartkids has created a truly learning-centered environment, where children of all ages are encouraged to explore and are motivated to learn about the world around them and about what is personally meaningful. 

A Note on Creativity:

At birth, neurological machinery makes us natural problem-solvers, as well as curious; both of which were crucial for our survival.  As we pass into a new era – that of the ‘creative society’ - what you know is not nearly important as knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do!  At smartkids, being able to find answers to problems, or being able to creatively express ideas are deemed just as valuable as knowing numbers and letters from a book.  The confidence children gain from knowing how to learn and having the confidence and resources to explore and create will allow them  to find creative solutions to new and unexpected problems and choose among many different truths.

A Note on Play:

An international Lego research project has show that free play is often times squeezed in favour of goal oriented and real world conforming activities.  Unfortunately, children in structured activities – especially in high-pressure and competitive education systems – don’t engage in important developmental activities such as self-reflection and evaluation.  At smartkids, children learn how to learn while exploring and playing.  They conduct research, create stories, and have opportunities to apply existing knowledge to different situations.  Most importantly, they play – discover – share ideas – imagine – create – and think; all of which encourage development, independence, and self-esteem.  

Teaching Technology

We believe the importance of introducing computer technology at an early age comes from the interaction between the child and the adult.  By the age of 3, a child can begin to use a computer and discovery – based software meaningfully, if engaged with and adult and peers.  Our programs for both younger and older students encourage communication and cooperation.  Combining technology with other mediums, such as art, music, and Lego, we strive to enhance both the early learning development of children, and to actively support and guide the technological lives of older students. 

TEACHERS AS MENTORS

Rather than forcing learning upon children, mentors have an open and free mind, and are able to listen and to adapt to children’s different knowledge levels and learning styles.  As a result, a special bond is created from being good at supporting children’s own reflection and exploration process. Throughout the learning process at smartkids, mentors behave as a resource, providing children the environment to explore and learn, and through questions and motivation, encourage children to take risks and seek answers to questions and challenges.