In the UK, early years education sets the foundation for a child's lifelong journey of learning and growth. With the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guiding nurseries and preschools, understanding pedagogical approaches in early years is key for parents, teachers, and practitioners. These methods shape how children explore the world, build skills, and develop emotionally. At Hatching Dragons, our multicultural nurseries in London integrate these principles to foster curiosity, empathy, and global awareness through bilingual immersion and hands-on activities. This guide explores the top five approaches, their benefits, and how they align with EYFS goals, drawing on research to help you support young learners effectively.
At Hatching Dragons, we believe nurturing emotional growth from the earliest years sets the foundation for lifelong well being. Below, we explore what makes emotion books powerful, which titles are most loved, and how you can use them to support children at home or in the classroom.
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What Is a Pedagogical Approach in Early Years?
Definition of Pedagogy in Early Years Learning
Pedagogy in early years refers to the methods and practices educators use to support children's learning and development. It encompasses how teachers interact with children, create environments, and facilitate experiences that promote growth. A study by Siraj-Blatchford et al. on researching effective pedagogy in the early years defines it as the art and science of teaching young children, emphasizing child-centered strategies. In the EYFS context, this means tailoring activities to individual needs while encouraging exploration and social interaction. For instance, at Hatching Dragons, our proprietary curriculum draws on global cultures to define pedagogy as a blend of structured guidance and child-led discovery.
Why Pedagogical Approaches Matter in EYFS
These approaches are vital because they directly influence how children achieve EYFS outcomes, such as personal, social, and emotional development. The Effective Pedagogy in the Early Years study highlights that high-quality interactions between adults and children lead to better cognitive and social gains. They ensure children build resilience and confidence early on. In UK settings like Hatching Dragons, incorporating pedagogical approaches in early years helps address diverse needs, supporting families through flexible care and funded schemes.
How They Shape Early Child Development
Pedagogical approaches in early years mold cognitive, social, and physical skills by providing opportunities for active engagement. A thesis examining early years pedagogy notes that a spectrum of methods, from play to structured activities, supports holistic growth in reception classrooms. This shapes children into adaptable learners, ready for school and beyond. At locations like our Canada Water nursery, nature-integrated activities exemplify this shaping process.
What Are the 5 Pedagogical Approaches in Early Years?
Here, we outline the top five pedagogical approaches in early years, highlighting their core elements and evidence-based benefits to make it easier for educators and parents to understand and apply them.
Montessori Method in Early Year
- Emphasizes child-led learning in a prepared environment with hands-on materials, allowing children to choose activities that match their interests and promote independence.
- Research shows positive effects on cognitive, social, and creative skills; a meta-analysis by Courtier et al. found moderate to high impacts on development in preschool and school-age children.
- In EYFS settings, it supports self-regulation and focus, with Lillard's review in Nature indicating improved executive functions through structured freedom.
- At Hatching Dragons, we adapt this method for multicultural exploration, blending it with bilingual elements to enhance cultural awareness.
Reggio Emilia Approach in EYFS
Play-Based Learning Pedagogy
- Allows children to learn through free and guided play, developing skills naturally in a supportive setting that prioritizes fun and exploration.
- Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation indicates moderate positive impacts on outcomes, with up to four months' additional progress in early skills.
- UK research emphasizes its role in prime areas like communication and language, showing guided play boosts oral language development effectively.
- Our messy play sessions at Hatching Dragons embody this, nurturing resilience and problem-solving in a bilingual context.
HighScope Pedagogical Approach
- Focuses on active learning through "plan-do-review" cycles, where children plan activities, carry them out, and reflect on their experiences.
- Longitudinal research from the HighScope Perry Preschool Study confirms lasting benefits, including better intellectual performance and social development into adulthood.
- An efficacy study highlights improved classroom quality and child outcomes in decision-making and initiative.
- Hatching Dragons incorporates reflection in daily routines to build these habits early.
Forest School & Outdoor Learning Pedagogy
- Involves regular outdoor sessions for risk-taking, nature exploration, and hands-on activities in natural environments.
- UK research by the Forest Research agency shows gains in confidence, independence, and communication skills among young children.
- A study on outdoor learning notes positive influences on wellbeing, social growth, and physical development.
- Our Canada Water site, near a nature reserve, integrates this approach to connect children with the outdoors.
How Pedagogical Approaches Impact Children’s Behaviour
Building Social Skills and Cooperation
Pedagogical approaches in early years foster cooperation through group activities and interactions. Research on Reggio Emilia shows improved social interactions and empathy in diverse settings. Montessori studies also indicate positive behavioral effects, such as reduced conflicts through self-directed choices. In EYFS, this builds empathy and teamwork. Hatching Dragons' multicultural events encourage sharing across cultures, reinforcing these skills.
Encouraging Positive Behaviour Through Play
Play-based methods reduce challenging behaviors by channeling energy constructively. A review of guided play supports better self-regulation and fewer disruptions. Forest School research links outdoor play to improved behavior management and emotional control. This creates calm, focused children in UK settings, aligning with EYFS goals for positive relationships.
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in EYFS
These approaches nurture emotional health via responsive interactions. A pedagogical intervention study showed improved emotional availability from educators, leading to secure attachments. HighScope outcomes include stronger social-emotional skills over time. At Hatching Dragons, bilingual support aids wellbeing by validating children's cultural identities.
Why Pedagogical Approaches Support EYFS Learning
To illustrate the value, here are key ways these approaches enhance specific EYFS areas, backed by evidence.
Enhancing Communication and Language Skills
- Approaches like Reggio Emilia boost language through discussions and documentation of ideas.
- Ontario's pedagogy framework notes that active learning environments support communication growth.
- Play-based evidence shows gains in vocabulary and expressive skills, with guided interactions proving as effective as direct instruction.
- In EYFS, this aligns with prime areas, helping children articulate thoughts confidently.
Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking
Building Lifelong Learning Habits Early
- These methods instill curiosity, independence, and a love for discovery.
- Long-term studies on early childhood education show benefits in persistence and academic success.
- Montessori alumni report higher wellbeing and adaptability in later life.
- This prepares children for future challenges, aligning with EYFS's focus on school readiness.
Who Benefits from Pedagogical Approaches in Early Years?
Early Years Teachers & Practitioners
Teachers gain tools for effective classrooms. Professional development studies show improved management skills and reduced stress through evidence-based methods. In UK contexts, this enhances practice and job satisfaction.
Parents Supporting EYFS at Home
Parents learn to extend learning through involvement. Research links parental education to child success, with better attendance and social skills. Hatching Dragons' events help families apply approaches like play-based activities.
Children’s Long-Term Development Outcomes
Children see lasting gains in academics and wellbeing. A meta-analysis confirms medium- to long-term benefits from quality early education. Studies also show reduced need for later interventions.
Build Emotional Vocabulary with Free Feelings Flashcards
Support your child’s emotional development at home with our printable flashcards. Use them to help your child recognise, name, and talk about their feelings. Download below:
Negative Feelings FlashcardsPositive Feelings Flashcards
Use these cards during playtime, storytime, or whenever your child is learning to express how they feel. They're perfect for building emotional vocabulary in a simple and engaging way.
FAQs on Pedagogical Approaches in Early Years
What are pedagogical approaches in early years?
They are methods like play-based or Montessori that guide teaching to support development in EYFS. These approaches are learner-centered, emphasizing active learning through play, exploration, and social interactions to scaffold children's growth effectively.
Which pedagogical approach is best for EYFS?
No single best; a blend like at Hatching Dragons suits individual needs, per international pedagogy reviews. Blending methods allows for flexibility in addressing diverse developmental stages and interests.
How do pedagogical approaches shape behaviour?
They promote positive interactions and self-regulation, reducing challenges, as in play-based studies. Quality play experiences enhance language development and the ability to regulate behavior, leading to positive outcomes.
Can parents use these approaches at home?
Yes, through simple play and routines, extending nursery learning and boosting family bonds. Parents can implement them by engaging in interactive activities to support exploration and self-regulation
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Contact Hatching Dragons today to learn more about our multicultural, early years approach rooted in inclusion, empathy, and global learning.
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References for Further Reading
- Camilli, G., Vargas, S., Ryan, S., & Barnett, W. S. (2010). Meta-analysis of the effects of early education interventions on cognitive and social development. Teachers College Record, 112(3), 579–620.
- Courtier, P., Gardes, M.-L., Van der Ham, I. J. M., Engevik, L. I., Fleury, C., Thevenot, C., & Gentaz, É. (2023). A meta-analysis of the effects of Montessori education on five fields of development: A systematic review. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 74, Article 102203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2023.102203
- Education Endowment Foundation. (n.d.). Play-based learning. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/toolkit/play-based-learning
- Guo, K., & Kurtti, M. (2024). Searching for evidence-based practice: A qualitative metasynthesis of the research on Reggio Emilia practices in Australian early years settings. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 49(3), 206–220. https://doi.org/10.1177/18369391241261832
- Karuppiah, N. (2015). Play, imagination, and creativity: A brief literature review. Journal of Education and Human Development, 4(1), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.15640/jehd.v4n1a3
- Lillard, A. S. (2019). Montessori education: A review of the evidence base. npj Science of Learning, 4, Article 19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-019-0057-x
- McCoy, D. C., Yoshikawa, H., Ziol-Guest, K. M., Duncan, G. J., Schindler, H. S., Magnuson, K., Yang, R., Koepp, A., & Shonkoff, J. P. (2017). Impacts of early childhood education on medium- and long-term educational outcomes. Educational Researcher, 46(8), 474–487. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X17737739
- Murray, R., & O'Brien, L. (2005). Such enthusiasm - a joy to see: An evaluation of Forest School in England. Forest Research and New Economics Foundation. https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/8231/ForestSchoolEnglandReport.pdf
- Ontario Ministry of Education. (2014). How does learning happen? Ontario's pedagogy for the early years. https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf
- Schweinhart, L. J., Montie, J., Xiang, Z., Barnett, W. S., Belfield, C. R., & Nores, M. (2005). Lifetime effects: The HighScope Perry Preschool study through age 40. HighScope Press.
- Siraj-Blatchford, I., Sylva, K., Muttock, S., Gilden, R., & Bell, D. (2002). Researching effective pedagogy in the early years (DfES Research Report No. 356). Department for Education and Skills.https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/id/eprint/4650/1/RR356_-_Researching_Effective_Pedagogy_in_the_Early_Years.pdf