Introduction

Bear Facts is a quarterly newsletter which is produced by Bear Park. The sole purpose of this publication is to provide further information to parents in regards to the Reggio Philosophy and its inspiration within the development of the Bear Park programme. We hope you enjoy this and please feel free to download the full newsletter at your leisure.

Environment: The Third Teacher

The educational philosophy of Bear Park centres is influenced by Te Whaariki: the early childhood curriculum of New Zealand and the educational approach of Reggio Emilia. One of the strongest messages we have identified from Reggio Emilia, is the important role the environment plays in the life and education of the child; the way that it is seen as a “third teacher”, assisting in the education of the child. As Bear Park educators we strive to ensure our environments are interesting, educational and full of discovery, and therefore believe the centre environment must...

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Projects or Investigations

When asked why projects? I feel that it is important to firstly explain what we mean by a project -"

"We use the term project work to refer to in depth studies, of particular topics, undertaken by groups of young children and teachers. Project work is designed to help young children make a deeper and fuller sense/understanding of events and phenomena in their own environment and experiences that are worthy of their attention. Projects provide the part of the curriculum in which children are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices - usually in co-operation with their peers and in consultation with their teachers - about the work to be undertaken. We assume that such work increases children's confidence in their own intellectual powers and strengthens their dispositions to continue learning".

• - Katz & Chard, Engaging Children's Minds. 1989.

These projects or in-depth investigations are completed over a longer duration of time and allow for the child's development and extension of their own understanding of the topic or focus of interest ...

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The Role of the Teacher

The role of the teacher is one that is taken very seriously in Reggio Emilia preschools, with a strong focus on reflection on teaching practice. This ensures that a reciprocal and honest relationship develops between co-teachers, allowing for open dialogue and reflection within the setting. Teacher’s collaborate their knowledge at planning times, referring to observations of, and interactions with the children. From this combined reflection, a programme is pl anned for the coming week …

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Bear Facts - An Ordinary Moment - Extraordinary Possibilities

Several years ago I was asked, by Dr. George Forman, Professor of Education at the University of Massachusetts, to be involved in an educational research project based on the following concept.

• - To write a book that provides case examples and commentary on how teachers from different cultures take an ordinary moment in the classroom, reflect on its significance, and then find ways to build that moment into an extraordinary learning experience for the children.

I was very excited about this prospect of being involved in research with other international educationalists and to ....

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Bear Facts Assessment: Influenced by Reggio Emilia

Assessment is crucial in our teaching and learning environments. It guides our programme, creates a basis for our documentation, provokes dialogue amongst teachers, children and parents, gives us better understandings of our students, challenges us and promotes a sense of empowerment for the children. As teachers in a Reggio inspired centre we see it as our role to capture and extend the children's interests - we do this through documentation and assessment. We use written observations, photos and technology, planning meetings, documentation boards and books to aid us in this. All of these combine to create a programme that follows the children's interests and fosters their learning.

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