At Bumi Kecil, we are doing things a little bit differently. As a Reggio-Emilia inspired school, we don’t follow a packaged curriculum. We take a community-minded approach, following the students’ interests while emphasizing the role of the environment and the positive impact of play in a bilingual setting. Let’s dive in a little deeper to the unique aspects of Bumi Kecil, an international school on Gili Air.
1. Reggio Emilia-Inspired
At Bumi Kecil, we prioritize a child-centered learning approach, inspired by the Reggio-Emilia philosophy. This method celebrates each child’s innate curiosity and creativity, tailoring the curriculum to their interests and questions. This helps to foster a love for learning and helps children explore literacy, numeracy, science, and more in a way that feels natural, engaging and fun.
2. Emphasis on Nature and Sustainability
Our curriculum deeply integrates environmental education, teaching children the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through activities and discussions about caring for the planet, children develop a commitment to preserving the environment and understanding the interconnectedness of living things. We emphasize this from the natural elements of our play yard and composting our daily food waste to using recycled materials for crafts and encouraging students to think about their impacts on the world around them.
3. Play-Based Learning
Recognizing the value of play in early childhood education, Bumi Kecil employs play-based learning as a core educational tool. Our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and self-expression, with an environment that serves as a “third teacher,” enhancing the learning experience through natural light, open spaces, and engaging materials. Throughout the day, you see our students engaging in play with their classmates and peers, learning to navigate real life and solve problems while developing their language skills in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
4. Strong Community Involvement
Bumi Kecil fosters a strong sense of community both within the school and on the island of Gili Air. We engage in initiatives that support the local schools and offer after-school activities at our sister organization, The Play Cafe, where all children from the island are welcome. This commitment to community helps children learn the importance of collaboration, empathy, and giving back.
5. Bilingual and Multicultural Education
Our team of bilingual teachers brings extensive educational experience from all over Indonesia, offering a curriculum rich with social-emotional, environmental, and multicultural components. Additionally, our students come from over 12 different home countries and the teachers weave elements of their cultures into classroom activities as well. This multicultural approach ensures that children are exposed to diverse perspectives and languages, preparing them for a globally connected world.
Discover more about our unique approach and join our vibrant community by visiting Bumi Kecil.
