The word ‘teacher’ probably brings to mind a person stood in a classroom instructing their pupils in whatever subject it is that they’re learning. However, in the landscape of pre-school it’s necessary for the educator to take on more of a facilitator’s role, gently guiding them on a discovery journey that’s led by whatever piques their interest.
This is certainly not a free-for-all. It’s a highly skilled method of encouraging young children to develop key life skills and a love of learning through the encouragement of their personal curiosities.
As you can imagine, managing to do this without taking over is an intricate balancing act. There’s a fine line between guidance and actively driving the direction of the flow, something that’s a key aspect of the Reggio Emilia approach, the development of critical thinking and other fundamental skills.
Educators in Reggio classrooms have key aims for the children in their charge, which include:
- Encouraging curiosity and questioning.
- Developing social skills and building relationships with others.
- Promoting a love of learning.
- Helping with the development of key skills, such as literacy, emotional development, creativity and expression, problem solving, critical thinking, self-care and responsibility.
- Language development.
While some of these skills sound advanced, the early years are where the building blocks of all future learning are laid. Creating a strong foundation is crucial for ongoing life success, which is exactly what talented early childhood educators are so good at. The Reggio Emilia approach is trusted across the world as a premium educational model for setting young children up for future lifelong success.
Some examples of how early childhood educators introduce these vital skills without taking over include:
- Actively encouraging curiosity: Those what, why and how questions that every child has are a wonderful way forward, Co-educators help children navigate such queries, allowing them to work their way through challenges and asking questions that prompt them to further explore.
- Observe, listen and question: Rather than giving instruction, they will watch what’s going on, using questions, support and assistance where needed to prompt the children to continue their exploration of whatever it is that’s interesting to them.
- Use the environment: The natural world presents an abundance of curiosity-stimulating landscapes, materials and other objects. In a Reggio classroom you can expect to see children getting hands-on with all kinds of materials (sand, water, mud, clay, fabrics, stones, feathers...), as well as getting plenty of outside time to be at one with nature.
- Take advantage of the ‘hundred languages’: One of the unique features of Reggio Emilia is the use of expression and communication that goes far beyond words. This could be dance, painting, music, dramatic play and much more. Educators will facilitate children to take advantage of multiple communication methods, encouraging them to express themselves and be the wonderful unique being that they already are and will further grow into.
- Participate: Don’t be surprised to see educators taking active roles in child play. For instance, perhaps the children want them to be a character when role playing or maybe make the animal noises in a story they’re composing.
- Help hone the art of reflection: This valuable skill is encouraged through post-activity Q&A’s, often by the educator asking open questions like, “Why did that make you so happy”, or “Where do you think that bird went after it flew over hill?”
That brings us onto another vital point that all great early childhood educators are so good at: asking open-ended questions. These encourage children to question and push forward, rather than simply providing a single piece of information. Rather than saying, for example, “The flower will grow if you water it”, they might say something along the lines of, “What do you think we can do to help the flower to grow?”
At Evoke Early Learning, we’re proud of our educators and the incredible efforts they take to be the best co-learning facilitators they can be. Our programs are committed to providing all our children with the best start in life possible. This is mirrored in our company philosophy and values.
But don’t just take our word for it, we’d love to show you in person. You can easily book a tour online at your chosen centre We can’t wait to meet you.
Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
