The Educator’s Role as a Co-Learner: Guiding Children Without Taking Over
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 […]
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From Curiosity to Confidence: Encouraging Inquiry-Based Learning in Preschoolers
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – often abbreviated to STEM – might not be the first subjects that spring to mind when you think of early childhood education. But the building blocks of all learning are laid during these formative years, and early development through the neuroscience of play has a significant impact on future […]
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The Power of Rituals and Routines in Building Secure Learners
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – often abbreviated to STEM – might not be the first subjects that spring to mind when you think of early childhood education. But the building blocks of all learning are laid during these formative years, and early development through the neuroscience of play has a significant impact on future […]
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Why Creative Arts Are Essential for Brain and Social Development
Creativity comes in many forms, from painting to singing, role play to sand castles, the art of making something purely from the imagination is certainly fun. But even more importantly, such activities are exactly what’s needed for the brain to develop the basics of crucial life skills. From problem solving to hand-eye coordination, exposure to […]
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STEM in Early Childhood: Fun and Simple Ways to Introduce Big Ideas
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – often abbreviated to STEM – might not be the first subjects that spring to mind when you think of early childhood education. But the building blocks of all learning are laid during these formative years, and early development through the neuroscience of play has a significant impact on future […]
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How Early Childhood Education Shapes Emotional Intelligence for Life
Emotional intelligence (EI) is all about how a person understands, recognises and manages emotions, both in themselves and others. This is a super-important facet of learning that begins during the earliest stages of life. Therefore, fostering emotional resilience in preschoolers is a crucial element of education. With a far-reaching impact for all future learning and […]
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Supporting Language Development in the Early Years: Practical Ideas for Parents
When we think of language, the first thing that springs to mind is talking. And yes, the art of speaking is a vital skill that parents and caregivers must support, but we shouldn’t think of communication only in terms of the spoken word. The Reggio Emilia approach is big on what is termed the hundred […]
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The Role of Nature in Early Learning: Why Outdoor Exploration Matters
The wonders of the great outdoors bring incredible benefits at every stage of life, and the formative years are no exception. In fact, there’s an increasing level of scientific evidence that shows it’s not just a nice-to-do, it’s crucial for early development. This is and always has been something that the Reggio Emilia approach strongly […]
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How the ‘100 Languages of Children’ Shift Learning Spaces
Beyond Words: What Are the ‘100 Languages’? The concept of the ‘100 Languages of Children’ is a cornerstone of the Reggio Emilia approach. It refers to the countless ways children express themselves and make sense of the world around them. These ‘languages’ include not only spoken words, but also drawing, movement, music, storytelling, dramatic play, […]
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Beyond Language: Helping Toddlers Develop Executive Function Skills Early
Understanding Executive Function Executive function refers to a set of mental processes that help individuals plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks successfully. In toddlers, this might look like waiting their turn, following simple routines or focusing on a task for a short period of time. These skills don't come naturally – they're […]
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