Reggio and Forest School with Jessie Zhao

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠⁠ 🌲🎧. Find out about our sessions and Forest School Leader Training in Devon, UK at www.children-of-the-forest.com — Guest Info: https://tideview.com/ — Sponsors:Visit ⁠HelloFresh⁠ to get 60% off your 1st box + 25% off for 2 months + free gifts! Sign up with ⁠Skillshare⁠ for 30% off annual membershipProtect your computer with ⁠Nord VPN⁠ --- Summary Jesse Zhao discusses the blending of Reggio, and Forest School philosophies for early childhood education. She explains the differences between the Chinese and Canadian approaches to early years education. The Reggio approach is characterized by its guiding principles, including the image of the child, the 100 languages of the child, and the role of the teacher. The environment is considered the third teacher in Reggio, and it is prepared to provide opportunities for children to explore. The focus is on process over product, and education is seen as encompassing various aspects of learning and development. Collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community are also emphasized in Reggio-inspired education. In this conversation, Lewis and Jessie discuss the principles and practices of Reggio Emilia and Forest School approaches to education. They highlight the importance of reciprocal relationships and collaboration in creating a positive learning environment. They also explore the challenges of preparing children for formal education and the role of respect for the environment in both pedagogies. The conversation touches on the balance between intrinsic motivation and tidying up, as well as the challenges of implementing Forest School full-time. Jessie shares her experience setting up Tideview Nature School, a part-time Forest School program for children under five. Takeaways The Reggio approach to early childhood education is influenced by the image of the child, the 100 languages of the child, and the role of the teacher. The environment is considered the third teacher in Reggio, and it is prepared to provide opportunities for children to explore. Reggio emphasizes process over product, focusing on the learning and development that occurs throughout the journey. Collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community are important in Reggio-inspired education. Reciprocal relationships and collaboration are key principles in both Reggio Emilia and Forest School approaches. Creating a positive learning environment involves involving parents, educators, and the community. Preparing children for formal education requires a balance between autonomy and structure. Respect for the environment is emphasized in both pedagogies, with a focus on natural materials and sustainable practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Overview of Reggio and Forest School 04:34 Reggio Approach: Guiding Principles 06:18 Importance of the Environment in Reggio 07:04 Preparing the Environment in Reggio 09:08 Provocations and Invitations in Reggio 11:22 Process over Product in Reggio 13:05 Education and Learning in Reggio 15:11 Regulating and Social-Emotional Development 21:51 Involving Families and the Community 22:56 The Importance of Reciprocal Relationships 24:09 Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment 25:09 Preparing Children for Formal Education 28:35 Respect for the Environment 30:17 Balancing Intrinsic Motivation and Tidying Up 36:36 Challenges of Implementing Forest School Full-Time 41:20 Setting Up Tideview Nature School