Q&A with Emily Annie Louise Hiles, Art Teacher at Pegasus International Preschool

Find out why this teacher loves her preschool!

What is your background and training?
I went to University to study a Bachelors in Textiles and Surface Design (Hons) before becoming an SEN Teaching Assistant where I found my love of teaching. I did a TEFL course and taught in Thailand, China and Hong Kong to teach English before taking my Post-Graduate Certification in Education.  During this time I also completed a Jolly Phonics course.

What made you want to become a teacher?
I originally became an SEN Teaching Assistant to support children with additional needs because I saw how the extra help my brother received as someone with Aspergers Syndrome helped him on his journey within education. This led me to teach Language and Literacy inspiring me to leave England and teach those children whose English was an additional language.

What do you love about working at your school in particular?
I love the freedom the children have to discover and explore their interests with the support from teachers.

What is your take on ‘play-based learning’?
Play-based learning is essential to a child’s discovery and understanding of the world around them. Having opportunities to physically experience and put into context their ideas and concepts really embeds their learning and comprehension and provides a wonderful foundation to continue to build on and enjoy the process of learning.

What is your favourite game or activity to do with your students?
I really enjoy incorporating sensory experiences into our learning such as painting with shaving foam or bubbles as well as creating sensory trays filled with unusual materials,  such as leaves, slime or flour.

What is one fun fact about you?
In my free time I enjoy writing, illustrating and self-publishing children’s books.

Pegasus International Preschool, 72 Keng Lee Road, Level 2, Singapore  219248,  [email protected], www.pips.com.sg