The time before age 7 is critical for the formation of a child’s personality. It is also the most important stage in the education of a child. A child who is able to grow up in an environment where her nature and developmental rhythm are respected, and where she is cared for and loved by her caregivers, is a child whose vitality and developmental potential will have been protected to the greatest extent possible.
BETTER strives to be a child’s ideal home away from home. Designed for the education of children between 1 to 7 years old, BETTER employs proven psychological practices which both repair and expand a child’s sense of self, social-emotional capacities, and more. BETTER is a pioneer in the intentional synthesis of educational and psychological practices founded on theories which acknowledge and cultivate that which is best within the human being.
Educational activities take place in a mixed-age setting inside classroom and in the communities. In an environment with clear boundaries, rules, and love, children at BETTER are supported in their development to become a highly moral, psychologically and physically healthy, independent, self-directed, happy, and confident person.
The biggest challenge facing early childhood education is actually the adults. What do we mean by this? At BETTER, our main task is actually to help adults become aware of, and put aside, their misconceived notions, and help them accurately perceive a child’s unique needs and strengths, so that they (the adults) are able to guide and educate the child in the most suitable way possible. In order to do this, BETTER teachers (whom we call “counselors”) have to pass a stringent qualification process, and undergo professional psychological supervision. In addition, our “counselors” benefit from a comprehensive training curriculum and counseling support system which ensure their continuous development and optimal readiness.
A holistic educational model, like that of BETTER’s, is designed to integrate the growth of students, teachers, parents and communities. The moral character, psychological, and intellectual growth of the parents and teachers support the same growth in the child, and vice versa. The positive and mutual reinforcement form a virtuous cycle, and leads to the physical, psychological, and spiritual integration of all those involved.
Moral character education at BETTER includes the core values of gratitude, respect, responsibility and care for oneself, others and the environment.
Psychological education at BETTER is comprised of developing one’s emotional intelligence (i.e. recognition, expression and regulation of emotions, delaying of gratification), concentration, independence, self-direction, etc., so as to form a stable self-concept.
By designing language and math learning materials commensurate with each child's abilities and characteristics, and by means of visual, auditory, kinesthetic learning, education of the intellect at BETTER facilitate independent learning by continuously stimulating children’s intrinsic learning motivation, thereby building up the child’s ability for self-management and self-directed studies.
Founded in 2011 in Wuhan Hubei in China by Magdalena Lee, a transpersonal psychologist, BETTER has three branches in China today. Since we have diligently put our innovative theory and well-founded insights into practice over the past eight years, we (the educators and parents) have been positively shocked by the child’s ability to exercise independence, self-assurance, critical thinking, as well as by their passion for the care of others and the environment. All this leaves us in awe of what it means for a human being to realize her potential.
