Introduction

In order for a child to learn, they must want to learn and have the motivation to learn. It has been suggested that each of us have preferred learning styles. Some children learn better through kinaesthetic learning and others visually for example. Over the years, there have been many different contexts for learning and strong opinions on how a child will optimise their learning. During this educational blog I will research four unique contexts for learning, Learning through play, Outdoor learning, Montessori Education and Steiner Education. Using internet and book references I will outline the key areas of each, and attempt to explain what each has to offer for a child's cognitive development. After all the child must be stimulated when learning, if the child enjoys their learning experience then they will always want to learn and remain motivated to build upon their current knowledge and understanding, achieving the most from their education. 

Steiner School

Rudolf Steiner was born in Austria 1861. Steiner suggests whatever a young child is told to do should not be artificially contrived by adults who are comfortable in our intellectual culture but should spring from life’s ordinary tasks. The whole point of a kindergarten class is to give young children the opportunity to imitate life in a simple and wholesome way. Steiner believed in Piaget's 'natural line' of development and that cognitive development came from within the child. 

The Steiner method of education is for pupils of regardless of academic ability, class, ethnicity or religion. It takes into account the 'whole child' which sounds a lot like what RA Butler had to say in the 1944 Education act. Steiner education takes into account the needs of the child, "academic, physical, emotional and spiritual" (steinerwaldorf). 

Early Years

In Steiner Education early years the three R's (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) are not formally taught. It is believed that the child will learn these more affectively if he or she has time to develop socially, emotionally and physically first. Literacy and numeracy are learnt through activity and play. Language and communication is learnt orally. Steiner puts emphasis on child led activities as well as teacher led. 

Lower School (7 to 14) 

The curriculum in lower school is structured to accord with the child's imagination and learning readiness. Steiner education aims to teach children in the way best suited to them, as they believe "young children learn best when the teaching appeals foremost to their feelings and artistic sense" (steinerwaldorf). This can relate to Dr Howard Gardner and his eight intelligences, and that each child has a unique blend of intelligence, some more developed than others. So it is important for the teacher to teach in a way best suited for the child and help develop their weaker intelligences. I agree with the Steiner approach that children will develop and learn best if taught depending on whatever approach appeals the most to them. 

Upper School (14 to 19) 

From 7 to 14, Steiner school pupils progress through their classes with only one teacher. This could be a good thing if you learn well with that teacher and get on well with one another, however this may also be a disadvantage to the child if they do not like the teaching method used, and that child is then stuck with that teacher for 7 years. When the pupils reach upper school at the age of 14, it marks a significant change in their education so far, they are given a new teacher. The sudden change may again have positive and negative consequences. The core curriculum for upper school consists of:

• Maths - Number Patterns, including Permutations and Combinations, Conic sections and trigonometry.
• Biology - Human Physiology and anatomy, human physiology and embryology and botany and cell biology.
• Chemistry - Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemistry of the elements.
• Physics - Transport, power, Newtonian mechanics.
• History - 20th century, ancient civilisation.
• Art History - Ancient art, Egypt, Medieval times, the renaissance, the impressionists.
• Geography - Climatology, Meteorology, Geomorphology.  

Here's an interesting article from 2012, asking the question 'Does Steiner schools offer a rounded eduction?'

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/may/25/steiner-state-funded-free-schools

Reference List

• Caroline Lewis (2013)
• Steiner Waldorf (2013) Steiner Education. Available internet:

http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/ [Date assessed Jan 31st]

Montessori Education

Maria Montessori was born in Italy, 1870. In 1892 she became a medical student at the University of Rome. In 1906 Montessori was asked to look after children of migrant workers. Whilst the parents went to work, and the elder children attended school, the children aged three to six years old were left to roam the streets. Dr Montessori was invited to take charge of these children to stop any mischief they may get up to. She furnished the room with small desks and chairs rather than desks, and a selection of modified materials. "Montessori observed the children's reactions to their new environment without any pre-conceived ideas of what would happen. These observations provided opportunities to understand better the children and the materials themselves" (Isaacs, 2010, p.6). 

In the book 'The Montessori Method', published in Rome in 1912. Montessori describes children as:

• being capable of extended periods of concentration.

• enjoying repetition and order.

• revelling in the freedom of movement and choice.

• enjoying purposeful activities (preferred work play).

• self-motivated, displaying behaviours that did not require either punishments or rewards.

• taking delight in silence and harmony of the environment.

• possessing personal dignity and spontaneous self-discipline.

• being capable of learning to read and write.

Montessori's work with these children lay the foundations for what we know today as the Montessori approach to education. The Montessori method of education has three key components:

• the child 

• the favourable environment

• the teacher

"The relationship between the child, teacher and environment continues to evolve and develop because it is based on observation of children" (Isaacs, 2010, p.9). It allows the child to dictate the learning, this isn't to say children choose to do whatever they please. Learning is guided by the 'directness' or 'governess', they can set up different work stations or lay out toys before the children attend class and then proceed to take a back seat approach and let the children dictate how they use the equipment to learn, often learning subconsciously. 

The Curriculum

There are 6 key areas to the Montessori curriculum:

• Practical. Such as pouring a drink, looking after the classroom and buttoning up their coats. These activities develop hand-eye coordination, gross and fine motor skills. Working within a team for activities also boosts self confidence and improves social skills. 

• Sensorial. Young children learn more through their senses. Montessori materials are used so that children can grasp abstract concepts such as big and small, light and heavy or long and short.

• Mathematics. Number rods, spindle boxes and counters help children grasp the idea of numbers and counting. As well as carrying out tasks where they measure and pour, or grade big and small.

• Language. In the Montessori classroom, children have freedom of speech and movement and this, to a great extent helps them in building language skills. The children also use equipment such as picture cards, sandpaper letters and having free access to the book shelf as well as singing songs, listening to stories and creating artwork. 

• Creativity. Children can express their creativity through activities such as painting and drawing, modelling, stories and songs.

• Culture. Children learn about cultures, different people, and countries through various activities such as globe, puzzle maps and other activities.

This is a short video clip showing what it's like inside a Montessori Classroom. 

Here's a link to an article I found from the Daily Mail, which suggests that Children at Montessori schools are better educated.

Reference List

• B, Isaacs (2010) Bringing THE MONTESSORI APPROACH TO YOUR EARLY YEARS PRACTICE. 

• The Children's Room (2014) Montessori Nursery. Available internet:

www.the-childrens-room.co.uk/about/about-montessori/ [Date Accessed Jan 20th].

Learning Through Play

Importance of Play

"Play is the medium through which young children learn about life in all its many aspects. They are continually investigating and exploring their ever-expanding world and trying to make sense of what they see, hear and feel. The School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) recognises this fact and has placed great emphasis upon the need for practical and enjoyable activities in the Desirable outcomes for Children's Learning" (Leach, 1997. p.5).

Areas of play

• Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

• Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

• Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Specific areas

• Literacy involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.
• Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
• Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
• Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

In my opinion I believe play is essential for a child's cognitive development in early years. Play allows the child to use his or her's imagination to explore different concepts. It allows children to develop in a number of areas (which are listed above). A child needs to be engaged to learn. A main factors for learning, is motivation, if a child is engaged in learning, and feels what they are doing has personal meaning then they will always want to learn. If a child isn't interested in what's being taught then its very difficult to stay engaged and stay motivated to achieve equilibrium. Heald (1997) suggests this does not mean leaving a child alone to play while the adults do something else, but means offering children a variety of experiences which enable them to find out for themselves the way things work.

Below is a video clip I found on YouTube. The clip shows learning through play from a child's perspective. It explains why play is important, and ask's the children what they think of play. 

Reference List

B, Leach (1997) Learning Through Play: Small World Play.

C, Heald  (1997) Learning Through Play: Construction Play, page 5.

Pre-school learning alliance (2013) Learning through play. Available internet: 

    www.pre-school.org.uk/parents/support-advice/420/learning-through-play

    [Date Assessed Jan 13th].

Forest School

Outdoor learning

"Getting outdoors gives children the opportunity to take part in activities that extend their knowledge, understanding and skills and which will lay the foundations for future learning through a combination of free and structured play. Children can experience the wonderment and excitement of the outdoor environment while establishing a healthy attitude towards an active outdoor lifestyle" (Filer  1998, p.5).

A recent report by King’s College London highlighted the significant benefits of learning in the natural environment, including: 

• Better educational attainment. 
• Development of natural science skills and environmental awareness.
• Improved health, social cohesion and attitudes to other children. 
• Better school staff morale.

Outdoor learning activities such as those that take place in school gardens, local parks, farm visits and residential centres, help make core subjects rich and relevant and get students excited about learning. Teachers also benefit from learning in the natural environment, becoming more enthusiastic about teaching bringing innovative teaching strategies to the classroom.

Forest Schools

The purpose of Forest schools are to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Initially learning experiences take place within the schools grounds, to allow children to become comfortable learning outdoors in familiar surroundings. Forest school leaders allow the children to take control of learning. The children have an introductory session in the woodland, exploring the site establishing physical and behavioural boundaries. A well as safety procedures, hygiene and routines. 

Once a group are established in the woodland and routines are set up the project develops through a child led approach with opportunities for projects being taken back to the indoor setting to be continued.

Activities

Forest Schools put a lot of emphasis on the learner-led approach. Each activity follows a theme, from 'The Romans' to simply 'exploring'. Activities can depend on teamwork and communication, which develops a child's confidence and social skills. Activities such as hide and seek, shelter building and lighting fires will enhance self-esteem as well as individual skills. Tools are used in Forest Schools in a traditional woodland manner and are introduced gradually with a structured safety base that the children become familiar with. The use of tools in the outdoor environment will develop both gross and fine motor skills.  

Below is a clip looking into Stroud School and their outdoor learning. The clip was used to show 'prospective parents what happens during Forest School sessions and what sort of skills the children are acquiring'. I personally think outdoor learning is a key attribute for education, through out a child's development. From experience I know that it's not nice being stuck in the same classroom all day. Offering a change of scenery and allowing children (especially in early years) to go out and explore will keep the learner interested and result in them wanting to learn which is essential for development. 

Below is a link to an article taking from The Guardian newspaper. Its suggests that learning outside the classroom builds children's confidence and can transform their relationships with teachers, and asks the question 'how can schools be encouraged to organise more outdoor activities?'.

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/dec/04/outdoor-learning-school-activities

Reference List

·         Forest School Education. Available internet: 

      www.forestschools.com/what-happens-at-a-forest-school/ 

      [Date Assessed Jan 17th]

·         J, Filer (1998) Learning Through Play: Outdoor Play.

·         Natural England. Outdoor Learning in the natural environment. Available internet: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/linkingpeople/learning/default.aspx 

      [Date Assessed Jan 17th]