What drives this early childhood teacher?

We chat with PAN CLARK, an early childhood teacher at Dover Court International School in Singapore (DCIS) wh0 is passionate about cultivating life skills in young children. She tells us how she uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework in early childhood education at the school.

How did your passion for early childhood education come about?

It stems from a belief in the importance of supporting each child as they develop into an independent individual. The early childhood years are a time when neurons in the brain form connections, absorbing knowledge, experiences and skills at an incredible rate.

Tell us about your approach to being an early childhood teacher.

I’m deeply influenced by the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and its concept of the hundred languages of children, which recognises that young children express themselves in many creative ways. This motivates me to create rich, responsive learning environments that empower young learners to take ownership of their experiences.

I believe in observing and listening to each child to understand their interests and unique ways of thinking. In this way, I can tailor learning experiences that resonate with a child’s curiosity and developmental stages.

By providing open-ended materials and opportunities for collaboration, I create an early childhood environment where children feel safe to experiment, ask questions and develop problem-solving skills.

I also believe that children and families should actively engage in the co-construction of knowledge together. This holistic approach nurtures a love for learning and supports the development of well rounded, resilient learners.

What do you think is one critical skill that children should develop?

One of Dover Court’s core values is resilience. Both educators and parents can cultivate this trait in early childhood learners by focusing on effort and curiosity, rather than the end results. We can do this by listening to children’s ideas and validating their feelings.

Additionally, modelling resilience and encouraging teamwork among peers allows children to benefit from the support and perspectives of their peers as they work through challenges together.

Promoting self-reflection through open-ended questions encourages children to think critically about their experiences and feelings. This empathetic and intentional approach ensures that children become well-equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.

About the teacher

Pan graduated from Sichuan International Studies University with a major in English. Her dedication to nurturing young minds inspired her to complete a Diploma in Montessori Education with distinction, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK.

Pan has been at Dover Court International School in Singapore for seven years as an early childhood teacher. The school is a special place for her due to the Early Years children she interacts with. She says, “Their kindness, curiosity and eagerness to learn and explore create a truly unique and inspiring environment.”

When she isn’t in school, Pan enjoys participating in various physical activities including running, triathlons and sailing. In 2010, she completed a 250km hike across the Gobi desert, highlighting her adventurous spirit and commitment to personal growth.

Pan says that she values these challenging sports for their lessons in building resilience. “The lessons learned from pushing both physical and mental limits translate meaningfully into the Early Years Foundation Stage classroom, contributing to the holistic development of children in early childhood years – both mentally and physically,” she explains.

Dover Court International School is at 301 Dover Road.
6775 7664 | nordangliaeducation.com/dcis-singapore

This article about the Early Years Foundation Stage framework at Dover Court International School in Singapore first appeared in the April 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Also, read how Dover Court students are making period talk easier and how the school guides students in self-regulated learning.

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