The Importance of Unstructured Time in a Child's Day
In our fast-paced, high-achievement world, it can be tempting to view childhood as a series of milestones to be met, classes to be attended and skills to be mastered. We often pack our little ones’ schedules with back-to-back activities, hoping to provide them with the best possible head start. However, when it comes to early […]
Read More
Why Boredom Is Actually Good for Your Child's Development
Has boredom become a dirty word? In today’s high-speed world with entertainment on-tap, parents might view the phrase, “I’m bored”, as a cue to instantly find something to fill the void. However, before you hand over your tablet or rush to jump in with something fun to do, consider this… Boredom is not the enemy. […]
Read More
Provocation-Based Learning: Sparking Curiosity in Young Minds
Young minds are truly wonderful. Full of curiosity and open to exploration, which is exactly why provocation-based learning is so powerful. Rather than simply telling a child about, for example, a country, animal or custom, setting them up to question, investigate and find out things for themselves, driven by their own interests, is far more […]
Read More
The Role of the Educator as Observer: Listening to Children's Learning
Early childhood educators, parents, caregivers and all family members, play a pivotal role in everything that shapes a child’s formative years. Whether it’s formal or informal education, guiding children without taking over is a critical skill that provides essential insight into a child’s development. The Reggio Emilia approach champions this, with educators actively watching and […]
Read More
Light and Shadow: How Reggio Emilia Uses the Environment to Inspire Wonder
For children, and young children especially, light and shadow are naturally intriguing. They shift, stretch, disappear and return – almost like magic. The simple introduction of a shadow bunny or the kaleidoscope colours of a watery oil shimmer invites questions, experimentation and imaginative play. A patch of sunlight on the floor can become a stage, […]
Read More
Documentation in Reggio Emilia: Why Recording Learning Matters
Every noticeable step in child development is a culmination of many, almost unnoticeable, smaller ones. Documentation allows us to see the bigger picture and how a child is evolving over time. From learning and honing independent problem-solving skills to the ongoing development of fine motor skills, recording learning provides educators, parents and caregivers with a […]
Read More
The Role of Storytelling in Early Learning: Building Imagination and Empathy
Most of us have cherished memories of favourite childhood stories. It’s common for children to want to hear their best-loved ones told over and over – and the reasons for this go far deeper than simply enjoying a good tale. Storytelling has been used since the dawn of time to both entertain and instil deeper, […]
Read More
Mindfulness for Little Learners: Helping Children Manage Emotions Through Calm Practices
Emotions are tough for little ones to navigate. Let’s face it, they’re challenging for us as adults, even with all our prior life experience and reasoning to help us understand. For preschoolers whose brains are still developing and processing a massive amount of new information, emotional feelings and thoughts can often spill into the ‘too […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More