WHAT IS PEDAGOGY

Most simply, pedagogy is about how we educate children and help their development. It is the techniques and strategies we use to provide opportunities for development and how relationships and interactions with children affect them.

Early years pedagogy can be many things, but it may touch on things like:

Behaviour – How a child’s experiences shape their behaviour.

Culture – How family life and culture impact learning and relationships.

Critique – Inviting you to challenge assumptions and issues around power, equality, and curriculum expectations.

Development – Focusing on how and why children change in terms of their learning and development over time.

Relationships – How children change and learn in relation to those around them.

Golden Acorns Approach

At Golden Acorns, we have our unique approach which is a blend of the many theorists out there. For us that works effectively, and we do not ever want to limit this to just one theory or approach. This can be seen both in practice and throughout our environments and continuous provision across our two nurseries. We also implement the Danish culture of early years by being hygge accredited this ensures both settings are family oriented, cosy and welcoming to all children and families with everything we do for the best interest of the child.  

Here are some of the theorists that have influenced early years education today and how we are using these approaches to support our pedagogy:

1. Steiner – The Waldorf approach

The Waldorf approach supports connections with nature, outdoor play and bringing nature in. It takes account of the whole child and believes that children’s learning flourishes in a calm, peaceful, predictable, familiar, and unhurried environment that recognises the child’s sensory sensitivities.

Golden Acorns approach:

• Bringing nature in through nature play
• Providing nature in the environment both indoors and outdoors
• Rhythm of life- flexible routines to fit in with the children
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2. Elizabeth Jarmen -Communication friendly spaces

Jarmen’s approach encourages creating calm and homely spaces for children, providing a sense of security.   She believes it is important to try not to overstimulate children with the environment and remove visual noise.

Golden Acorns approach:

• Supporting spaces for children that promotes speaking and listening skills
• Having natural light, soft lighting, fairy lights
• Providing cosy, homely spaces
• Having clear and consistent routines
• Neutral environments
• Providing children with free choice

3. Montessori

Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori method based on thousands of scientific observations. It focuses on each child’s individuality, encouraging curiosity through a carefully designed environment and supports a sense of belonging and preparing our children for life.

Golden Acorns approach:

• Enable children to do things for themselves
• An environment that promotes freedom of choice
• Respect for the child
• Promoting independence