Future people and our preschool levels
Our practices are based on a holistic approach where outdoor education, creativity, children's well-being and collaboration are the main focuses. With these practices, the aim is to create a learning-friendly environment where children can develop in a diverse and healthy way. Professionalism, flexibility, trust and collaboration are our values in teaching and play. We at Framtíðarfólk have decided to take a new approach to shared responsibility. Staff who work "on the floor" with children receive clear instructions on what to do and how to do it and are trusted to take good care of their work.
The preschool does not have traditional age-based departments. Instead, at Framtíðarfólk, children are provided with everything they need to support their development, growth, and progress according to their age. This is done in accordance with the theories of educationalist Lev Vygotsky about the Zone of Proximal Development.
Work is carried out according to lists of developmental criteria in each area of study of Framtíðarfólk. This allows staff to monitor and record progress and deviations. The lists provide teachers and staff with clear and well-defined criteria to work according to, which systematically support the organization of activities and methods in children's play and learning.
The role of teachers and staff in children's play is to be alert to their interest and what is happening. Staff ask children open-ended questions and work purposefully with the children's subjects, showing interest. In play, children learn from each other, but the role of the adult in play is no less important and multifaceted. Teachers and staff communicate with children and form relationships with them through participation in play.
Youngest level
The period from 1 to 3 years in a child’s life is crucial for their early development. This developmental period is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes. In the early stages of preschool, children learn holistically through play, social interaction and natural exploration. Play is the foundation of their learning and allows them to develop motor skills, enhance problem-solving skills and foster creativity. Social interaction teaches children to communicate, collaborate and build relationships with peers and adults, thus laying the foundation for essential social and emotional skills. Natural exploration satisfies their innate curiosity and supports their understanding of the environment. Together, these experiences contribute to holistic development and ensure that children become well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life.
At Future People, teachers play a vital role as guides and supporters in nurturing this development and growth. By creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, teachers encourage children to take initiative while providing support when needed. We focus on monitoring and recording each child’s developmental progress to ensure that our teaching methods are tailored to each individual’s needs. This approach not only helps support children to achieve meaningful and relevant milestones, but also ensures a smooth transition when children move on to the next core of preschool. Through thoughtful planning and the use of evidence-based methods, we aim to provide each child with a strong foundation for future success.
Middle level
The period from 3 to 5 years is a key period in children's lives. During this time, children's development makes great strides as they build basic communication skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Play continues to be essential, with a particular emphasis on activities such as block play, which promotes spatial and logical thinking, cooperation, and children learn the foundations of important mathematical concepts. Language development is greatly enhanced through stories, songs, and conversations, which allow children to express themselves and share their ideas with greater confidence. Creativity flourishes when children participate in art, music, and all kinds of role-playing - imaginative play, which fosters their ability to think independently and to trust their own abilities.
Teachers at Framtíðarfólk implement these methods by creating a structured yet flexible learning environment that is tailored to the needs of children. The methods are implemented using blocks and other materials that facilitate children’s exploration and enrich language skills. Teachers use motivation in teaching to encourage children to express themselves creatively through a variety of materials and different play methods. Monitoring and recording each child’s progress remains a cornerstone of our approach and ensures personalized support for each child to reach the next developmental milestone. These methods prepare children for the next level, promote holistic growth, and increase their potential to face new challenges.
Oldest level
At the earliest stage, children are 5 to 6 years old. During this period, preschools play a very important role in preparing children for primary school. At this stage, it is essential to strengthen children's belief in their own abilities, which helps them approach new challenges with confidence. A key focus is on early literacy, with activities such as reading stories, practicing phonics and letter recognition, and engaging in creative "writing," which build a strong foundation for future academic success. Exploring the local community and participating in collaborative projects with the primary school further enhances their understanding of the world and creates connections that make the transition easier and more exciting.
Teachers at Framtíðarfólk are committed to their role as guides and supporters, but at this stage they place an increased emphasis on instilling in each child a passion for “learning”. They design individualized learning opportunities according to each child’s developmental needs and interests, ensuring continuous growth and progress. Teachers carefully record progress according to each child’s developmental milestones and use their acquired knowledge to plan strategies that encourage holistic development. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of achievement, we create an environment where children thrive and are ready to face the next chapter of their educational journey with enthusiasm and confidence.