Creating Building Blocks for Children's Conceptual Understanding in the Early Years: A Partnership Approach

Early Learning Matters Week: Celebrating Our Partnership with Children

In early childhood education, we recognise educators' vital role in shaping young learners' minds. We celebrate ‘Early Learning Matters Week’ by emphasising our partnership with children, where learning independently is cherished. Still, our guidance is essential to help them build the necessary concepts and skills. This approach ensures holistic development as thinkers and learners.

The Role of Early Educators

Early educators are instrumental in forming the foundation of young children's cognitive and emotional development. The quality of experiences provided during these formative years can determine the robustness of their brain architecture, significantly impacting their future success.

Offering Rich Learning Experiences

Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D., Director of the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University, underscores the hierarchical nature of brain development. Initial neural circuits for simple information processing must be established before more complex circuits can develop. Repeated use strengthens these circuits, while unused circuits are pruned away. This highlights the need for diverse and enriched learning experiences early on.

Loris Malaguzzi, the visionary behind the renowned Reggio Emilia approach, believed in children's "hundred languages"—various forms of expression such as gesture, movement, drawing, play, and painting. Each medium serves as a unique literacy with its alphabet, encouraging educators to expand the range of experiences offered to children and to interpret their knowledge and thoughts through their actions and expressions.

Beyond Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is foundational, but it needs to be supplemented with intentional guidance. Margaret Donaldson's book, "Children's Minds," shifted the focus from merely providing play opportunities to actively supporting children in language development, abstract thought, knowledge transfer, and creativity.

Scaffolding Experiential Learning

Effective scaffolding involves more than observation—it requires active engagement. For example, children might intuitively understand balance and structure during block play. However, educators should introduce vocabulary and concepts related to size, shape, and direction to deepen their understanding and ability to communicate their learning experiences.

Applying Scaffolding Strategies

To scaffold children’s learning effectively, educators should:

• Provide diverse, well-planned experiences.
• Intentionally scaffold around these experiences.
• Develop children’s ability to transfer knowledge and skills across contexts.
• Inspire and recognise their innovation and creativity.

1. Diverse, Well-Planned Experiences

Free play is essential but can be significantly enriched with thoughtful input. For example, a play shop can become a learning hub for numeracy and literacy by including signs, numbers, and price tags. Various media, such as drawing or storytelling, allow children to explore different literacies, each with unique skills and knowledge.

2. Intentional Scaffolding

Supporting abstract thought is critical. Children need to practice visualising and manipulating ideas without immediate references. Asking open-ended questions, providing precise vocabulary, and encouraging children to articulate their thoughts are effective strategies. Drawing their pets after describing them verbally can bridge concrete and abstract thinking.

3. Knowledge and Skill Transfer

Facilitating the transfer of knowledge involves connecting learning experiences across different contexts. By discussing familiar concepts, such as water use, in various settings, children learn to apply their knowledge more broadly, embedding a deeper understanding of universal principles.

4. Encouraging Innovation and Creativity

Creativity should be a constant expectation, not a scheduled activity. Recognising and valuing children’s spontaneous creative projects supports a culture of innovation. Educators should actively seek out and engage with children’s unique ideas, providing the vocabulary and context to articulate and expand their creative expressions.

Conclusion

By providing and scaffolding engaging experiences, stimulating multiple neural pathways, and fostering a solid conceptual framework, we ensure children are well-equipped for future learning. Our partnership with children, characterised by facilitative and friendly engagement, enhances their self-image, competence, independence, and agency. As we celebrate Early Learning Matters Week, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing young minds and ensuring their growth as thinkers, learners, and creative individuals.

About the Author

Lili-Ann Kriegler (B.A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is a Melbourne-based education consultant and award-winning author. With over 30 years of experience, she advocates for children, parents, and families, believing in the transformative power of education.

Website: Kriegler Education

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