Planting the seeds of a global mindset: The Dibber Preschools way

It is said that a ‘good childhood lasts a lifetime.’ Therefore, Dibber Preschools’ pedagogical framework highlights children’s wellbeing, development and their learning.

The idea is to aid children in realising their self-worth, exploring their interests and ultimately feeling the joy of mastering challenges. It is Dibber’s aim to fill each child’s learning journey with joy, play and friendships, empowering them to make a positive impact wherever that journey takes them.

Dibber International Preschools and Nurseries are rooted in the Nordic philosophy of education, which acts as the foundation of their curriculum and their approaches to teaching and learning. Here, upholding the intrinsic value of children and creating a happy childhood in all forms is the nucleus of all educational activities. In line with this mission, Dibber creates an environment that meets children’s needs for care, play, bonding and a sense of community, as well as promoting development and learning. Children are seen as unique individuals with the right to participate in and influence their own lives.

The Dibber childhood model

At Dibber Preschools, children are encouraged to dive into new interests and at each stage, they are appropriately challenged in order to promote continuous learning and skill development. This not only helps them achieve mastery at existing tasks but instils the understanding that learning is a constant journey and an essential part of life. The preschools facilitate learning experiences that ensure children are using their minds, bodies, senses and emotions in social interactions with others. This creates opportunities for them to learn in a flexible, stimulating, and adaptable physical environment that allows them to grow and thrive.

With their educational philosophy focusing on four essential elements – cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development – children at Dibber International Preschools and Nurseries benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that provides a solid foundation for future growth, learning and success.

A culture driven by heart

“Driven by Heart” is more than just Dibber’s motto. Every person that is part of and associated with Dibber, including all its activities, is guided by this philosophy. The ‘heart culture’ is ingrained in Dibber’s pedagogy. The famous saying at Dibber is, “We develop lifelong learners with a heart for the world.” By making each child feel valuable and highlighting their uniqueness, they are encouraged to become the best versions of themselves.

Imagine an educational community where children are taught to be themselves first before delving into other areas of learning. Where learning is built on their interests and passions. This generates self-worth and confidence, allowing children to approach learning holistically and not just associate education with mastering subjects or following set courses and lesson plans. In this manner, Dibber attempts to foster a love for learning at an early stage. Children are also taught that relationships come first, which ensures that mutual respect and compassion for one another are the guiding principles of everyday life at the units. This is the building block of their pedagogy, which influences everything they practise.

Investing in the early years to develop a global mindset

Here is how Dibber’s schooling nurtures a global mindset in little ones.

Prioritising children’s intrinsic value

Every child is made to understand that they are unique and individual differences are to be celebrated. This plays a significant role in boosting self-confidence and building a child’s sense of identity. Children learn to appreciate themselves and the uniqueness in others, encouraging each one to chart their own course for growth and development. This self-reliance helps children grow into empathetic adults who are appreciative of cultural differences.

The ‘I can’ attitude

Children must have the belief that they can accomplish tasks independently. Developing an ‘I can’ attitude is predominant in the Dibber way of learning. Children are encouraged to engage in novel pursuits, explore and experiment. This helps them approach new activities with a sense of curiosity and excitement, while embracing ambiguity. It also helps them absorb information and conceptualise how to make an impact in their pursuits.

‘Play’ as the foundation

At Dibber, there are six approaches that introduce all the essential elements of learning during the early years. These include society and values, language and literacy, nature and science, motion and health, creativity and art, and maths. Play is the thread that binds these elements, allowing children to internalise concepts through play-based interventions. Playing is the most organic way of learning, particularly during early childhood. Building on this helps advance learning capabilities and promote a love for learning, which can be converted into actionable knowledge by future leaders.

The importance of nature

Playing and learning in nature by spending ample time outdoors is predominant in the Nordic system of education. Children at Dibber spend much of their time outside because it is believed that Nature is the best teacher during the early years. Nature provides maximum sensory stimulation and children learn to interact with their natural surroundings harmoniously. Furthermore, there are tremendous physical and mental health benefits of spending time in one’s natural environment. This allows children to develop a love for nature, a responsibility to contribute to their local community, and, on a larger scale, a drive to protect our planet.

Multiculturalism and diversity

One of the benefits of an international preschool experience is that children are exposed to peers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. They learn to live and grow by understanding and celebrating each other’s uniqueness. This paves way for one big global family, where there is true appreciation for diversity and cultural variations. This education is invaluable in cultivating global leaders of tomorrow.

A lifelong love for learning

Understanding ‘how to learn’ as opposed to ‘what to learn’ makes a substantial difference in how children approach learning. In view of cultivating global citizens, the idea is to work on a child’s natural curiosity and intrigue, so that education becomes a means to gain knowledge, be aware and be informed, while acquiring essential life skills. As future leaders of tomorrow, children learn communication skills and function in multicultural environments, while approaching everyone with kindness and compassion.

Dibber’s locations in the UAE benefit from the seamless indoor-outdoor spaces and natural settings. Engaged educators ensure that children experience magical moments during their time at the units, and they benefit tremendously from the globally acclaimed Nordic curriculum that is designed to develop holistic individuals with a heart for the world. There are endless opportunities to finetune skills, hone creativity, and let the imagination run wild.

Headquartered in Norway, Dibber has over 2 decades of experience in the early education space. With 600+ schools, Dibber has established its Norwegian roots and celebrated Nordic curriculum across the globe. They are all set to dive deeper into the education landscape in the MENA+ region with exciting developments in the coming years.

To know more, visit one of Dibber’s facilities in the UAE! Schedule a tour today by visiting www.edu.dibber.com/dibber-forms, or contact the preschool by calling 800-DIBBER or emailing familyrelations@dibber.com.

Image Credit: Dibber Preschool