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Philosophical approaches

A number of international approaches to early childhood education may offer a source of pedagogical and philosophical principles to guide teaching.

The early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki expects early childhood settings to weave a set of pedaogical and philosophical principles that are meaningful and relevant to their own context. Reviewing internationally respected educational approaches associated with key thinkers (Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner) or places (Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy), can provide some provocation for teachers’ reflection on pedagogy and curriculum design.

Approaches associated with Reggio Emilia, RIETM Montessori or Steiner education have some similiarities with the goals and aspirations of Te Whāriki.

While there is limited research evaluating these frameworks against outcomes for children in early childhood, some of the key features and guiding principles underpinning these approaches are based on robust research evidence.

  • Use your understanding of international pedagogies for early childhood education to reflect upon your own practice.
  • Consider the alignment of the goals and principles of Te Whāriki when drawing on any international approach to inform your own practice.
  • Develop cycles of inquiry to help you assess the impact of changes to your practice inspired by international approaches on children’s learning.

  • How does this educational approach reflect the historical context in which it was first developed?
  • What are the similarities and differences between the context in which this approach was developed and is used, and the contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand?
  • In what ways would drawing on these methods and approaches support you to implement Te Whāriki?

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