Enquiry based learning
Squirrel Lodge Nursery follows an enquiry based learning approach and we are inspired by the Infant-Toddler Centres and Preschools of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia in Italy. This unique approach to early learning rests on the premise that education is a right of all children.
At the heart of the approach is the powerful image of the child. Our educators do not see children as empty vessels that require filling with facts. Rather they see children as full of potential, competent and capable of building their own theories.
Key concepts of Reggio Emilia’s Approach
The environment is recognised for its potential to inspire children. An environment filled with natural light, order and beauty. Open spaces free from clutter, where every material is considered for its purpose, every corner is ever-evolving to encourage children to delve deeper and deeper into their interests.
The space encourages collaboration, communication and exploration. The space respects children as capable by providing them with authentic materials & tools. The space is cared for by the children and the adults.
Environment: Within the Reggio Emilia schools, great attention is given to the look and feel of the classroom. Environment is considered the "third teacher." Common space available to all children, includes role play areas and work tables for children to come together.
The adult is a mentor and guide
The educator's role within the Reggio Emilia approach is complex. It is first and foremost to be that of a learner alongside the children. The educator is a researcher, a resource and guide as she/he lends expertise to children. Within such a more experienced friend - researcher role, our educators carefully listen, observe, and document children's work and the growth of community in the room and are to provoke, co-construct, and stimulate thinking, and children's collaboration with peers. They are also committed to reflection about their own teaching and learning.
Open ended activities
Our approach places great value on children's ideas and desire to research their theories about the world around them. To do this they need lots of open ended, natural resources to work with. Open ended play based learning focuses on the process not the product. It is the learning that is taking place that is the important factor.
Indoors and outdoors you will find spaces for painting, drawing, clay modelling and construction and lots of recycled materials amongst others. We believe children have hundreds of ways of expressing themselves, and providing an inspiring environment acts as their 'third teacher'.
Play based learning and sustained shared thinking
At Squirrel Lodge Nursery we celebrate the importance of play in the lives and education of our children and focus on putting the play back into childhood. In a play based learning setting children will be provided with long periods of uninterrupted play time. They will have the opportunity to follow their own interests. The children's interests will continue to be built on for as long as they want, for example, a group of children may decide to build a den. When they come in the next day they will be able to pick up where they left off, this gives the children pride in their work and allows them to take their learning forward. Children are encouraged to initiate activities and be self-directed with the support of their educators who will encourage the children to think critically and extend their learning.
We use In the moment planning, which is one of the most effective ways of introducing child led learning. By allowing children the freedom to explore their own interests, it increases their engagement as they are allowed to participate in activities they have chosen.
Children learn to take ownership of their work. They will be gently molded into independent children with initiative and the confidence to take risks, knowing that there is no right or wrong way.