The world of Early Childhood Education

Why a NATURE BOX?   When my class showed great interest in nature and the forest, I started looking for different materials and approaches to challenge my class and bring reality into the classroom as much as possible. What can you find in the box? Instruments to explore: Pincers Magnifying glasses Pots Stones Binoculars Leaves (laminated) This list of tools gives you a whole range of exploring opportunities such as seeing the veins of leaves, feeling the texture of pine cones, twigs, snail shell and dried insects (dragonfly, beetle, cockchafer, spider, fly, moth). Furthermore clear determination guides give you insight in the different eating and living habits of these insects. The box also includes drawing paper so the toddlers can draw details of everything they see. Finally I also added some laminated cards which you can use as extra stimuli for tasks that require seeing, smelling, feeling or hearing. Next to these task cards, are a few more cards they ...

I went to visit the Antwerp International School in Ekeren where a teacher shared her knowledge about the Reggio Emilia approach. This was so inspiring that I wanted to share their philosophy. Their philosophy The Reggio Emilia Philosophy is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, which values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. The Philosophy rides on the coattails of the innate curiosity of children and aims to assist them with understanding their world and who they are in it. Started by parents in Reggio Emilia, Italy after World War II, the parents believed that a new better approach to teaching their children was required. The program they developed emphasised respect, responsibility and community involvement. Children are allowed to explore and discover in a supportive and rich environment, where the curriculum is created around the children’s interests. First, It is important to realise that the...

On an open day I went to the  ABC-house of brussels . It is a paradise for children. How everything is represented is similar to Montessori. A bunch of materials were made out of wood. This gives a warm and inviting feeling. It's much more relaxing than when everything is in bright colors. Too much color is overwhelming for kids. It's a great environment. The ABC-house is divided i n different rooms.  Cooking  Reading corner  textile  wood craft  ... And so many more that you need to explore by yourself. I strongly recommend to go.

Mission and vision You enter an old charming mansion full of words and images. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the imagination of writers and illustrators, to dwell in the worlds that are imagined. You are invited to read, think and look beyond the everyday. In short: it is a house that stimulates the imagination. Villa Imagination  wants to be a unique place in Flanders where young and old experience quality exhibitions and participate in activities around books and illustration. By working around books and illustration, Villa Imagination  opens up other worlds for visitors of all ages. They playfully come into contact with other cultures and socially relevant themes. Through a tailor-made educational program they strengthen their literary reading skills and visual literacy. They explore their own creativity. Villa Imagination  aims for a sustainable effect: the visitor is enriched and inspired. For young children, Villa Imagination wants to lay the found...