Reggio Emilia
The Little Nomads approach to learning is underpinned by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The key elements to the Reggio Emilia philosophy are;
- Children are seen as strong, capable and resilient learners
- Children are full of knowledge, wonder and curiosity
- The environment is the third teacher
- Children learn best when they collaborate with each other and adults
- Learning is documented through photos, videos and anecdotal evidence
- Strong community links and connections are developed
- Children are given time to follow their interests
Forest and Beach Schools
We use the Forest and Beach School values and approaches to help develop the Little Nomads curriculum. The Forest School approach allows children the time and space to develop physical skills, manage risks and learn practical outdoor skills. Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment and make close observations and connections with it.
Similar to Forest Schools, the Beach school approach allows children to engage in self-initiated learning and follow their own curiosities and interests. Both approaches allow for an extended amount of time to develop personal, social and emotional skills.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a child-led approach that focuses on experience and doing, rather than simply imparting knowledge. When we plan our sessions at Little Nomads, we don’t plan for a specific activity or outcome, rather we plan for an experience. That experience can then lead onto further learning and exploration depending on how each individual child connects with it.
We give plenty of time for our learners to observe and experiment, and then reflect on their experiences, how they felt and what they learnt. Experiential learning requires educators to observe children in their play and look for teachable moments. These are then used to develop skills and move learning and development onto the next level.
Nature Play
Unstructured time immersed in nature allows children to develop important critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities and encourages creative thinking. Nature play also helps develop focus, concentration and can help children to regulate emotions and feelings.
Nature play happens in all weathers and all seasons, and holds the belief that children innately know their limits and have the ability to learn and grow without constant adult direction or interruption.
The Emergent Curriculum
Rather than forward planning learning activities, at Little Nomads we allow the curriculum to emerge in response to the children’s interests, needs and experiences. Their natural curiosities and unique experiences form the foundation of our curriculum. Individual needs and developmental milestones are considered and help us tailor learning to each child. We use these experiences and interests to carefully plan learning experiences that we know will develop thinking and knowledge, and encourage questioning and collaboration.