Early Learning Methodology: Exploring 4 ways to teach early learners

11 December 2024
Posted in News
11 Dec 2024
News
11 December 2024 Capital College

Early Learning Methodology: Exploring 4 ways to teach early learners

Early learning is gaining popularity as parents better understand the benefits of these critical experiences for their young children (and as more parents choose to return to work after having children and need childcare). In 2022, over 717,000 children were in early-learning childcare centres in Canada. 

Parents often select a childcare or early learning school based on the institution’s learning and teaching methodologies. Numerous studies have delved into childhood brain development and various teaching and learning approaches, all aimed at nurturing this crucial phase in a child’s growth. 

From this knowledge gained over the past 100+ years, four primary early learning methodologies have developed: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and traditional ECE. This article summarizes these early childhood education approaches so you can decide which to use in your classroom.  

Montessori Approach

In a Montessori classroom, children ages 2-6 are at the center of their own learning journey. The Montessori approach is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of thriving in a mixed-age classroom. They are encouraged to explore and grow at their own pace, fostering empowerment and self-motivation. 

Montessori teachers create a school day with activities that allow children to explore through self-directed sensory activities and play. These activities include hands-on learning and active learning. Montessori teachers act as guides to explore topics of interest to the children in their classroom.

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia approach is also centred on self-guided activities with an additional focus on relationships. Reggio teachers believe that children express themselves in many ways, and this teaching methodology supports that diversity. 

Students in Reggio Emilia classrooms learn early problem-solving and social skills through play. Many also develop a love of learning and build strong self-confidence. 

As their teacher, you become a co-learner with the students, observing alongside them as they explore the curriculum. You develop activities to help students learn and express themselves through mediums like painting, sculpting, drama and more. 

At Capital College, in the ECE course EDUC274 Advanced Curriculum, we use the book by Sue Fraser, Authentic Childhood: Experience Reggio Emilia, to focus entirely on the Reggio philosophy. Learn about our ECE program here. 

Waldorf Approach

The Waldorf approach to early learning is based on a holistic education that includes academics, art and music, physical activity, social experiences, and emotional exploration. Its curriculum is divided into three age groups to take advantage of age-appropriate learning and cognitive development at each stage: 

  • Birth to 7 years
  • 7-14 years
  • 14-21 years

This methodology was developed by Rudolph Steiner, who believed that children learn best through imitation and imaginative play. Technology and standardized testing aren’t common in Waldorf classrooms. 

As a Waldorf teacher in early learning schools, you will stay with your students throughout each age group (e.g., birth to 7 years). You’ll create a classroom environment that feels like a home, organize field trips to festivals for cultural enrichment, and plan circle time for songs, games, and stories. 

Traditional ECE Approach

The Traditional ECE approach believes that a child is capable and full of potential. Early learning classrooms help students celebrate their uniqueness and sense of belonging. They experiment, investigate, and explore while deepening their relationships with others and their environment. 

In BC, ECE teachers follow the ECE Code of Ethics, which sets out ten principles: 

  1. We promote the health and well-being of all children.
  2. We provide high-quality early care and learning environments for all children, drawing on specialized knowledge, education, and diverse perspectives.
  3. We demonstrate caring and compassion for all children through responsible and reciprocal relationships.
  4. We work in partnership with families, supporting them in meeting their responsibilities.
  5. We establish and maintain respectful partnerships with colleagues, allied professionals, community partners, and decision-makers to support the well-being of children and their families.
  6. We work in ways that affirm and enhance human dignity, respect fundamental human rights, and celebrate difference and diversity.
  7. We maintain the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness needed to be professionally competent.
  8. We prioritize our personal health and well-being.
  9. We demonstrate integrity and respect in our professional relationships.
  10. We advocate that our profession be vital to establishing healthy and resilient communities. 

Read more details and examples of these principles on the ECEBC website. 

Education and certification for Montessori and ECE teachers

At Capital College, we teach our students about each of the four philosophies of early childhood education in our traditional ECE program, where you will get a comprehensive overview of Reggio, Waldorf Montessori and Traditional ECE. 

If you choose to pursue your traditional ECE certification, we’ve got several programs for you:

Alternatively, our Montessori programs help you gain credentials and find employment in a Montessori-based early childhood education school. Here are our two most popular Montessori programs:

 

Or, learn the best of both worlds with our ECE-Montessori combined program. This 70-week program gives you 2 diplomas: Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Diploma and

Early Childhood Educator Diploma. 

Capital College welcomes local (BC) and international students for our ECE and Montessori programs in Richmond, BC. With Capital College, you get the benefit of:

  • Diverse academic programs
  • Experienced instructors
  • Unmatched resources and job preparation
  • Cultural exchange with classmates

Are you ready to become a great early learning teacher in ECE or Montessori settings? Start your teaching career with Capital College. Apply for your spot in an upcoming cohort today.