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Home » Children's learning » ILLAC Junior Programme: A New Way to Learn Maths and Phonics

ILLAC Junior Programme: A New Way to Learn Maths and Phonics

Education for young children should be engaging and holistic. The ILLAC Junior Programme aims to achieve just that. By combining the teaching of maths and phonics, we create a well-rounded learning experience that is both fun and effective.

Children often learn best through interactive and multi-sensory activities. Our programme taps into this by integrating two fundamental subjects in a way that makes learning more cohesive and enjoyable. Phonics helps kids understand the sounds and patterns of language, while maths develops their logical and numerical skills. Teaching these subjects together supports a more comprehensive understanding of both.

The unique approach of the ILLAC Junior Programme also focuses on enhancing executive function skills. These skills, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, play a vital role in learning and overall development. By nurturing these abilities from a young age, we help children become more confident and independent learners.

This article will delve into what makes the ILLAC Junior Programme stand out, how it effectively combines maths and phonics, the key benefits it offers, and some success stories that highlight its real-world applications. This holistic and engaging method sets children up for a successful educational journey.

What is the ILLAC Junior Programme?

The ILLAC Junior Programme is a specially designed educational initiative that blends the teaching of maths and phonics into one cohesive learning experience. It’s tailored for young children, aiming to build a strong foundation in both subjects while fostering essential cognitive skills.

This programme goes beyond traditional teaching methods by integrating executive function training into daily lessons. Executive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving are crucial for effective learning and overall development. By emphasising these skills, the ILLAC Junior Programme ensures that children not only acquire academic knowledge but also the thinking skills needed to apply that knowledge effectively.

The ILLAC Junior Programme uses interactive, multi-sensory activities to make learning engaging and fun for children. This approach keeps kids interested and motivated, allowing them to grasp complex concepts more easily. In addition, the programme is structured to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring that each child can benefit regardless of their preferred way of learning.

Overall, the ILLAC Junior Programme stands out by offering a holistic education experience. It combines the rigour of academic learning with the benefits of executive function training, all within a nurturing and enjoyable environment. This innovative approach sets children up for success in their educational journey and beyond.

How Maths and Phonics are Taught Together

Teaching maths and phonics together in the ILLAC Junior Programme creates a seamless learning experience that benefits children in multiple ways. This integrated approach helps children make connections between different areas of knowledge, enhancing their overall understanding and retention.

Integrated Lessons:

Our programme uses thematic lessons where maths and phonics concepts are taught within a single context. For example, a lesson on animals might include counting animal figures (maths) and spelling their names (phonics). This method helps children see the relevance of what they’re learning and how different subjects interrelate.

Multi-sensory Activities:

Hands-on activities are a core part of our teaching strategy. Children might use letter tiles to spell out numbers or play games that involve both counting and reading. These activities engage multiple senses, which aids memory and understanding. Kids who are actively involved in their learning process are more likely to retain information and enjoy their education.

Story-based Learning:

Stories and narratives are another effective tool. Maths problems can be woven into a story, making them more interesting and relatable. For instance, a story about a trip to the market can include counting items and reading signs, combining both phonics and maths. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also enhances comprehension skills as children have to understand the context to solve problems.

Collaborative Tasks:

Group activities that require children to work together also integrate maths and phonics. For example, a game where children solve puzzles involving both spelling and arithmetic encourages teamwork and reinforces the concepts being taught.

By blending maths and phonics in these interactive and engaging ways, the ILLAC Junior Programme ensures children develop a well-rounded skill set. This integrated approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also instils a deeper understanding of both subjects.

Key Benefits of the ILLAC Junior Programme

The ILLAC Junior Programme offers several key benefits that make it an excellent choice for early childhood education. Here’s how it stands out:

Holistic Learning:

Our integrated approach ensures that children develop a balanced skill set. By teaching maths and phonics together, kids gain both numerical and language proficiency. This dual focus helps them understand how different areas of knowledge connect, making learning more meaningful.

Enhanced Cognitive Skills:

The programme emphasises the development of executive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Activities are designed to challenge these skills in engaging ways, preparing children to handle complex tasks efficiently. This not only aids their academic performance but also equips them with tools for everyday problem-solving.

Increased Engagement:

Interactive and multi-sensory activities capture children’s interest, making learning fun. This increased engagement leads to better retention and understanding of the material. When children enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remain motivated and curious.

Improved Social Skills:

Group activities and collaborative tasks are a key part of the programme. These experiences teach children how to work well with others, share ideas, and communicate effectively. Developing these social skills early sets a strong foundation for future interactions both inside and outside the classroom.

Personalised Learning Experience:

The ILLAC Junior Programme is designed to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring that each child can benefit from the lessons. This personalised approach helps address individual strengths and areas for improvement, providing a tailored educational experience.

By focusing on these benefits, the ILLAC Junior Programme equips children with a strong start in their educational journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges.

Success Stories and Real-world Applications

The effectiveness of the ILLAC Junior Programme can be seen through numerous success stories and real-world applications. Here are a few examples that highlight how our approach has made a difference.

Emma’s Journey:

Emma, a shy kindergartener, struggled with reading and basic maths. After joining the ILLAC Junior Programme, her parents noticed a significant improvement. The integrated lessons and interactive activities helped her grasp phonics and numbers more effectively. Within months, Emma gained confidence, not just in her academic skills but in her ability to communicate with peers.

Group Project Success:

In one success story, a group of children worked on a project about garden plants. They counted seeds (maths) and labelled plant parts (phonics). This collaborative effort enhanced their understanding of both subjects. The children learned how to break down tasks, work together, and present their findings confidently. Their teacher reported a remarkable improvement in their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Real-world Connection:

John, a lively preschooler, used to struggle with staying focused. The multi-sensory activities of the ILLAC Junior Programme engaged his senses and held his attention. Through story-based learning, he connected academic concepts to real-world scenarios. For example, a story about shopping included both reading labels and tallying prices. John became more attentive and better at managing tasks at home and in school.

These success stories illustrate how the ILLAC Junior Programme not only improves academic skills but also prepares children for practical, real-world situations. The holistic and engaging approach ensures that children gain more than just knowledge—they develop the confidence and skills to apply what they’ve learned in everyday life.

Conclusion

Combining phonics and maths in a single cohesive programme lays a strong foundation for young learners. The ILLAC Junior Programme’s unique approach ensures that children not only understand fundamental concepts but also develop essential cognitive and social skills. By focusing on holistic education, our programme prepares children for academic success and real-world challenges.

These success stories and benefits highlight the programme’s effectiveness in creating a well-rounded educational experience. From improved engagement and personal growth to real-world applications, the ILLAC Junior Programme stands out as a comprehensive solution for early childhood education.

Ready to give your child a head start in learning? Discover the ILLAC Junior Programme at ILLAC and see how our innovative approach can make a difference. Visit our website to learn more and enrol your child today!