Tag: child development

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”: how our little storytellers experience stories

Post author By Alphablocks Nursery School
Post date July 28, 2016

By the age of three our children get to be the most wonderful storytellers. They engage in so-called “open ended” activities inspired by the stories we share with them. They learn how to use story props, how to pretend that story-related objects are integrated with their very own experiences. They take roles in their play and are completely immersed in stories, energised and fascinated by them. They become creators by changing parts of the story and making new versions. This is what “active learning” is all about, and it’s learning at its best.

Tags child development, Cockfosters Nursery School, early years, Hadley Wood Montessori Nursery School, Potters Bar Montessori, Potters Bar Nursery School, Reggio Emilia

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“Natural Maths” for 3-5 Year Old Children

Post author By Alphablocks Nursery School
Post date April 25, 2016

Can mathematics be taught at an early age? Is it beneficial to do so? What sort of mathematics can be taught in the 3-5 year old age group?

In this blog post we will answer these questions (and, as a sneak peak, here are the short answers: Yes, Yes, and Pretty Advanced Stuff, as it turns out!)

Mathematics can indeed be taught at an early age and it is beneficial to do so for at least two reasons: first, it helps put in place the fundamental mathematical concepts, which will carry a child’s understanding of the subject through primary school and beyond; and second, it introduces the topic without cumbersome tasks that tend to tire children and possibly dissuade them from taking up mathematics later on.

The prevailing wisdom among parents and early years professionals is that early math should begin with numbers and counting, starting with small numbers up to 5 and slowly introducing bigger numbers, before moving on to addition and eventually subtraction (in primary school). Multiplication and division are more advanced operations that are taught only in primary school. All through this linear progression from one task to the next, there is a strong focus on calculation. As a result, central concepts of mathematics, such as functions and variables, limits and symmetry, are typically introduced in high school. However, these very concepts are the ones that mathematicians identify as their true “tools of the trade”. The ability to memorize a multiplication table, by comparison, is only marginally useful.

Tags child development, Cockfosters Nursery School, early learning, early years mathematics, early years STEM, Hadley Wood Montessori Nursery School, mathematics, mathematics for children, mathematics for girls, Potters Bar Nursery School, pre-school education, research on early education, STEM for girls

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Open Days for Autumn Term 2015-16

Post author By Alphablocks Nursery School
Post date September 22, 2015

Come visit us on one or more of our Open Days this Autumn!

Alphablocks Nursery School Hadley Wood Cockfosters Nursery — Role play area

We would like to welcome you and your child in our new, boutique nursery school at the heart of Hadley Wood village.

Alphablocks Nursery School & Prep is now accepting placements for 2-5 year old children to start in the Spring Term of 2015-16 (i.e., from January 2016). It would be a great opportunity for you to see all the wonderful things we’re doing and ask questions about our educational approach, and how we expect to maximize your child’s learning potential in a fun, caring and inclusive environment. Learn more about us in our FAQs page.

Book your place now!

Tags child development, Cockfosters Nursery School, early learning, Hadley Wood Montessori Nursery School, Potters Bar Nursery School, pre-school education

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The Remarkable Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years Education

Post author By Alphablocks Nursery School
Post date December 6, 2014
1 Comment on The Remarkable Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years Education

The ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach to education originated in Northern Italy right after the end of World War II. It was created by Lorris Malaguzzi, a teacher, and parents who lived in the area around Reggio Emilia. The number of Reggio settings grew rapidly and the reputation of the alternative approach grew stronger over the years. During the last quarter century it has attracted international attention. In this post, we look at the many benefits of this approach to early years education.

A key principle of the Reggio approach is the recognition that children have rights when it comes to their learning. The child is put at the centre of the practice by being treated as a ‘knowledge bearer’. By valuing children in this way educators must put more emphasis on really listening to the children. Our school fully adopts and promotes this principle: every member of staff at Alphablocks Nursery School & Pre-Prep, Hadley Wood, is expected to listen and give ample time and space to children to express themselves.