A Collegiate Enquiry Based Approach to Developing Froebelian Principles and the Froebelian Occupations - Sewing and Clay

A project which followed Froebelian principles and introduced the occupations of sewing and clay at Greengables Nursery School and Family Centre.

Project Summary

Greengables Nursery School and Family Centre in the Niddrie area of Craigmillar in East Edinburgh provides early learning and childcare for children aged 3-5 and a flagship model of partnership working with parents and the wider community. Greengables' practice is based on Froebelian principles. The nursery is run by the City of Edinburgh Council and provides 30 hours of funded early learning and childcare for up to 48 children.

Part 1 of the project aimed to:

• develop a whole staff understanding of Froebelian Principles and how these underpin our pedagogy through a collegiate book study

• to share this understanding with parents and families through our Vision, Values & Aims and our Curriculum Rationale.

Part 2 of the project aimed to

• use collaborative enquiry to develop our continuous provision and deepen our pedagogical approach

• link our work to the Craigmillar Tapestry Project

• link our work to the Fruitmarket Gallery RE: GENERATION project developing cross generational and community collaboration and working with two artists who explore ideas of community and place and a ceramic artist

• focus on the following Froebelian principles through the introduction of the occupations of sewing and clay in both the Nursery & Family Centre

The project focused on the Froebelian principles:

• The relationship of every child to family, community, nature, culture and society.

• The role of play and creativity as central integrating elements in development and learning.