ISMILE Preschool presents its annual Project Work Exhibition, a celebration of the learning journeys of its toddlers and kindergarteners across three campuses: Permata Hijau, Menteng, and Bandung. This year’s exhibition showcases a wide range of themes—Turtles, Dinosaurs, Self-Expression, Bones, dan Fruits—each inspired by the curiosity and interests of the children themselves.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, each project reflects ISMILE’s commitment to honoring every child as a capable, competent, and unique learner. Children are empowered to take the lead in their learning through exploration, investigation, and discovery, while teachers act as listeners, facilitators and co-learners —guiding the process through provoking thought, observation and support.
Over a period of 3 months or more if interest remains, children engage in in-depth inquiry: conducting research, inviting field experts, asking critical questions, experimenting with materials, and collaborating with peers. Their learning was driven by essential questions such as, “What do I already know?” and “What do I want to find out?”—sparking inquiry that activates multiple intelligences and nurtures holistic growth.
Beyond knowledge acquisition, this project journey cultivates core contemporary skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication, leadership, and social-emotional awareness. Children also explored sustainability and environmental responsibility via recycling and upcycling, while fostering imagination by creatively using natural materials and loose parts to carefully build with purpose.
A notable aspect of the project is the involvement of parents and the broader school community, affirming learning as a collaborative journey between school and home. Throughout the process, children documented their thinking through drawings, writing, photographs, models, and constructions; offering a glimpse into their worlds of wonder, imagination and discovery.
“Our intention in opening this exhibition to the public and media is to showcase just how capable and full of potential children truly are when they are trusted as the architects of their own learning,” stated Ms. Supiani Winata, Director of ISMILE Preschool. “As Loris Malaguzzi once said, ‘Nothing without joy.’ We are continuously amazed by the depth of their thought and the creativity of their ideas. When given the opportunity, there is no limit to what they can achieve!”
The Project Work Exhibition stands as a reflection of ISMILE’s educational philosophy and principles: child-centered, inquiry-driven, and committed to unlocking each child’s possibilities.
