Our Approach
When you step into one of our early childhood classrooms, you’ll find children deeply immersed in their work – the work of play. As Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of the child.” We fully embrace this idea, ensuring that the materials and experiences in our classrooms are thoughtfully chosen to invite exploration and experimentation. Inspired by the 100 Languages of Children from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we believe that children express themselves and learn in countless ways. Our role as educators is to create environments that provoke curiosity and support these many ways of learning. We focus on the process over the product.
It’s not about what children make, but how they engage with their learning. Central to our approach is the idea of children’s agency. We believe children should feel empowered to make choices, explore their interests, and have a voice in their learning. When children experience agency, they are more motivated and engaged.
They understand they are in a space where their ideas matter, where they can take ownership of their play and feel supported in being who they are. This sense of agency not only builds self-confidence but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
As educators, we see play as a powerful way to scaffold learning. By asking open-ended questions and offering challenges during play, we guide children to deeper thinking, helping them develop problem-solving skills and discover new concepts. Play is rich with opportunities for learning, and it’s through play that children build the confidence to take risks and explore
new ideas.
While we value the freedom of play, we also understand the importance of structure. Children thrive on routine, and our daily rhythms provide the predictability they need to feel secure. This structure, combined with the freedom to play, also promotes a sense of agency, empowering children to make choices, explore their interests, and feel supported as they learn.
The benefits of play are vast. Block play strengthens problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness, while loose parts play encourages creative thinking and experimentation.
“Play is the highest form of research” – Albert Einstein
Art and mark-making help develop fine motor skills and lay the foundation for early literacy. Pretend play builds social and emotional skills, helping children understand empathy, cooperation and communication.
Outdoor play connects children to nature, nurturing both their physical development and their understanding of the environment.
Through play, children develop not only cognitive skills but also emotional wellbeing. It’s where they find joy, safety, and a sense of self. Educators play a critical role in extending this learning by engaging thoughtfully with the children, encouraging them to explore, question, and discover.
During play, children experience moments of flow – a state of joyful focus where they are fully immersed in what they’re doing. This is where the deepest learning happens.
In Early Learning, play isn’t just part of the day—it’s at the heart of everything we do. By fostering a love of play and promoting children’s agency, we help children develop the confidence, creativity, and curiosity that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Through play, they are not just preparing for the future—they are actively shaping it.
Written by: Georgia Greig (Learning Area Leader – Early Learning)