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Summary

Jesse Zhao discusses the blending of Reggio, and Forest School philosophies for early childhood education. She explains the differences between the Chinese and Canadian approaches to early years education. The Reggio approach is characterized by its guiding principles, including the image of the child, the 100 languages of the child, and the role of the teacher. The environment is considered the third teacher in Reggio, and it is prepared to provide opportunities for children to explore. The focus is on process over product, and education is seen as encompassing various aspects of learning and development. Collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community are also emphasized in Reggio-inspired education. In this conversation, Lewis and Jessie discuss the principles and practices of Reggio Emilia and Forest School approaches to education. They highlight the importance of reciprocal relationships and collaboration in creating a positive learning environment. They also explore the challenges of preparing children for formal education and the role of respect for the environment in both pedagogies. The conversation touches on the balance between intrinsic motivation and tidying up, as well as the challenges of implementing Forest School full-time. Jessie shares her experience setting up Tideview Nature School, a part-time Forest School program for children under five.

Takeaways

The Reggio approach to early childhood education is influenced by the image of the child, the 100 languages of the child, and the role of the teacher.

The environment is considered the third teacher in Reggio, and it is prepared to provide opportunities for children to explore.

Reggio emphasizes process over product, focusing on the learning and development that occurs throughout the journey.

Collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community are important in Reggio-inspired education. Reciprocal relationships and collaboration are key principles in both Reggio Emilia and Forest School approaches.

Creating a positive learning environment involves involving parents, educators, and the community.

Preparing children for formal education requires a balance between autonomy and structure.

Respect for the environment is emphasized in both pedagogies, with a focus on natural materials and sustainable practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:14 Overview of Reggio and Forest School

04:34 Reggio Approach: Guiding Principles

06:18 Importance of the Environment in Reggio

07:04 Preparing the Environment in Reggio

09:08 Provocations and Invitations in Reggio

11:22 Process over Product in Reggio

13:05 Education and Learning in Reggio

15:11 Regulating and Social-Emotional Development

21:51 Involving Families and the Community

22:56 The Importance of Reciprocal Relationships

24:09 Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment

25:09 Preparing Children for Formal Education

28:35 Respect for the Environment

30:17 Balancing Intrinsic Motivation and Tidying Up

36:36 Challenges of Implementing Forest School Full-Time

41:20 Setting Up Tideview Nature School

CPD with Sarah Lawful and Sarah Walker

The Forest School PodcastBy Lewis Ames and Wem SoutherdenSep 10, 2021