Early Years Philosophy & Pedagogy

As responsive and reflective educators, we are constantly reading, attending professional development sessions, and working together to be current in our understanding of educational research. This in turn, informs our philosophies and pedagogy. We share some of the most important ones with you here.

Reggio Emilia

The Image of the Child

Written by the founder of Reggio Emilia Schools, Loris Malaguzzi.

Image of the Child.pdf

The Hundred Languages of Children

An illuminated poem by Loris Malaguzzi.

Ontario Reggio Association

Relationship-Based Education

The Third Path

The Third Path has evolved out of research into achievement and well-being in schools. While academics and well-being have been competing for attention in modern classrooms, current research points to another possibility - the third path. "This path unites the development of both achievement and well-being into one comprehensive yet complementary pursuit. It challenges educators to think beyond the narrow confines of the achievement pathway and focus instead on understanding the fundamental and inextricable interconnectedness between true achievement and well-being."

For more information, click the button below.

The Third Path

Design Thinking and STEAM

Projects grow out of emerging interests of children. Through engaging in a pedagogy of listening, we are paying attention to what children notice, wonder and question. These entry points into learning become emergent curriculum as educators pick up the threads and consider how materials and the environment can help children go deeper into their curiosities. Once taken through the design thinking process, these emergent curriculum STEAM projects are placed beside the Ontario Expectations and educators are able to notice and name the learning that has become manifest through the entire process.

Catholic Graduate Expectations

A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mysteries of God’s presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living;

An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values;

A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good;

A self-directed, responsible, life-long learner who develops and demonstrates his/her God-given potential;

A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good;

A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community;

A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life

Building Community

How do we live well together?

Building Community_.pdf

Here is a document outlines how this pedagogy informs our practice with practical examples of daily life at school.

Outdoor Learning

Being outside has many benefits. From large body play in the school yard to being in relation to the land while on Wonder Walks, time spent outside is valuable for young children. We begin our day outdoors for one hour and go out again for another hour in the afternoon. While we pay close attention to the weather and follow school board advisories, we also ask that children come to school dressed appropriately for snow, sun, and rain as go out in all weather.

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