幼兒園青山校區 Brian Shawger、教務組長 楊雅琳

　　In early childhood education, mixed-age learning is a highly valuable teaching approach that helps children of different ages to build confidence, enhance social skills, and grow through interaction and cooperation. Through the "big hands guiding little hands" model, we encourage children to learn from each other during activities, stimulating their curiosity and developing diverse abilities.

　　Through participating in hands-on activities, children of all ages can find their own learning opportunities. Younger children learn new skills and ways of expression by observing and mimicking, while older children strengthen their understanding, cultivate patience, and gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence by guiding and caring for younger peers. Whether it's logic and cooperation skills through board games, expanding imagination and expression through art, developing coordination and teamwork through physical play, or enjoying hands-on experiences and shared fun through cooking activities, each activity provides  learning opportunities for each child to develop their potential in different roles.

　　Mixed-age learning is not only a chance to transfer knowledge and skills but also a meaningful and emotional learning experience. Through companionship, children learn patience and tolerance, enhance problem-solving and creative thinking skills, and build a sense of belonging and self-confidence through interaction. We believe that in such an environment, every child can find their role, unleash their potential, and support each other along the path of growth.

　　At our Neihu Campus, the Lantern Festival is a highlight for children from K1 to K3. This celebration offers an opportunity for hands-on activities that promote learning through play, critical thinking, and cultural exploration.

　　For the K1 group, the focus was on understanding the prosperity symbols of the Lunar New Year through a fun game of matching couplets. This simple activity helped children connect with the festival's cultural significance while practicing cognitive skills and recognizing symbols of good fortune.

　　K2 children participated in Lantern riddles, an activity that encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving. As they worked together to solve riddles, the children developed communication skills and learned to collaborate effectively with their peers.

　　The celebration wouldn’t be complete without sticky rice balls and lanterns. This year, the children made sticky rice balls from scratch. The hands-on activity allowed them to learn about the ingredients and process, while practicing fine motor skills by rolling the dough. It also helped improve their concentration, patience, and attention to detail.

　　In addition to the rice balls, the children created their own colorful lanterns. This arts and crafts activity enabled them to express their creativity and understand the cultural importance of lanterns during the festival. They designed their lanterns using paper, markers, and glue, providing a meaningful connection to the holiday.

　　Throughout the event, children learned about the Lantern Festival’s traditions through storybooks, games, and crafts. These activities aligned with our school’s philosophy of learning by doing, helping children gain valuable skills and deepen their understanding of cultural practices. The Lantern Festival celebration was not just fun—it was an enriching learning experience that sparked curiosity and creativity in every child. 

　　元宵節是中國傳統的重要節日之一，象徵著新年的圓滿結束，並迎來春天的開始。這次在內湖校區，我們結合了開學活動，精心規劃了豐富的元宵節慶祝活動，通過遊戲與傳統文化的體驗，讓孩子們感受這個節日的獨特魅力。

　　在活動中，小班孩子透過有趣的吉祥話配對遊戲，複習農曆新年的象徵。這項活動讓孩子對於節慶文化有更進一步的認識，同步訓練語言表達能力和認知技能，及學習辨認象徵吉祥的符號。中、大班的幼兒則進行了元宵燈謎活動，透過猜謎遊戲發展語言能力、思考與聯想的能力。在解答燈謎的過程中，孩子們也學會如何與同儕合作，並增強了解決問題的能力。

　　當然，元宵節的慶祝活動怎能少了元宵和燈籠呢？首先，介紹製作湯圓的食材與過程，接著親手製作元宵，體驗使用竹篩滾元宵。當元宵滾得又大又圓，象徵團圓的含意。在捏製湯圓的過程中，孩子們不僅練習了精細的動作技能，還提升了專注力、耐心與對細節的關注。

　　元宵節另一項重要的活動，製作燈籠，發揮創意，運用各式各樣美勞素材、色筆與膠水設計燈籠，完成的燈籠讓孩子們帶回家給家人們欣賞。

　　在這次活動中，孩子們透過繪本、遊戲與手工創作了解元宵節的傳統，並藉由「做中學」的教育方式，幫助幼兒獲得寶貴的技能，深化對文化習俗的理解。這場元宵節活動成為一次富有啟發性的學習歷程，激發了每個孩子的好奇心和創造力。