How to Bring Learning to Life with Projects and Provocations in Your Early Years Setting
“Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.” – Aaron Bradbury, shared by LaurenIn this episode of Atelier Talks, we discuss one of the most central elements of our pedagogy: how we use projects and provocations to build deeply meaningful learning for children. We promote learning that evolves over time, follows children’s unique interests, and offers endless possibilities.In this episode we reflect on some of our most powerful projects from across the years (we’ve got quite a few favourites!) from the Streets of Bath and the Big (big, big) Bath Abbey to Teas & Tonics, rainbow pasta, and our community-based exhibitions. We explore the role of observation, documentation, and pedagogical conversation in making these projects visible, vibrant, and ever evolving. Whether you're a practitioner or a nursery leader, this episode will help you slow down, look closer, and support your team in delivering truly child-centred, research-rich learning that also builds on your nursery’s legacy of learning that your early years children will treasure for years to come.In this episode, we share:What we mean by “projects” and “provocations”, and how we define the differenceHow we build long-term, child-led investigations across age groups and settingsExamples of our favourite projects… Mango pasta, anyone? The importance of “slow pedagogy” and taking learning at the child’s paceHow we use exhibitions to make learning visible for children, families and the whole communityWhat pedagogical conversations look like in our weekly staff planning timeHow to support your team to plan, document, and challenge their assumptions of what our children are capable ofWhy reflection and observation are the most powerful tools we have as educatorsStanding on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows:Aaron Bradbury – for his insights into observation, deep listening and co-constructed curriculum. Here’s a reminder of the beautiful quote Lauren shared in this episode from Early Childhood Theories Today' by Aaron Bradbury and Ruth Swailes: “Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.”Loris Malaguzzi – for the Reggio Emilia approach to long-term project work, documentation and the Hundred Languages of ChildrenFriedrich Froebel – for his influence on materials, connection, opposites, and real-life skillsSimon Nicholson – for his Theory of Loose Parts and its impact on open-ended, investigative learningMartin Pace – for challenging and refining our thinking around project and provocation pedagogyReggio Children – for inspiring the way we present learning, design space, and curate provocationsFind out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.ukInstagram: @ateliernurseryltdConsultancy...
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