Philosophical approaches

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Philosophical approaches

HomeEarly childhood education resourcesPhilosophical approaches

Topic summary

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?

Research reviews

The Steiner approach

A description of some of the key principles underpinning Steiner education.

The Pikler/Resources for Infant Educarers™ approach

A summary of the key tenets of the Pikler/RIE philosophy of early childhood care and education.

The Reggio Emilia approach

An introduction to key concepts underpinning the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

The Montessori approach

An introduction to the key components of the Montessori approach to early childhood education.

Webinars

Children’s voices in early childhood curriculum

Professor Marek Tesar (University of Auckland) and Dr Vicki Hargraves discuss the importance of incorporating children’s voices in to curriculum design and implementation in early childhood settings.

Infographics

Snapshots

Listening to children for child-centred practice

The key insights from our webinar with Marek Tesar exploring the vital role of children's voices in early childhood education.
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