NEL (Nurturing early learners) Framework
nel framework - Iteach principles
The NEL (Nurturing Early Learners) Framework is a compilation of MOE’s beliefs on how children learn and develop. It provides insights as to what qualifies as a quality preschool education and suggests using the “iTeach Principles” as 6 main guiding principles in providing for the preschoolers. As for our school, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, we will be focusing mainly on "T" "A" "C" and "H" of the "iTeach Principles".
“Teachers as facilitators of learning". Teachers facilitate children’s learning by simplifying conceptual knowledge and instructions into bite size pieces based on their prior and current knowledge. They also ensure that the information taught is not too challenging or simple for the child. Teachers are there to guide and assist the children, while allowing them to take charge of their own discovery (NEL, 2013).
“Authentic learning through quality interactions". Children should be provided with the opportunity to express their thoughts with each other through meaningful and relevant contexts. In addition, children get to hone their social and cognitive skills through such interactions (NEL, 2013). For example: getting children to discuss or solve an issue during circle time (such as the ‘3Rs’).
“Children as constructors of knowledge". Children are inquisitive by nature, which encourages them to come up with solutions to solve problems. They build knowledge through interactions with teachers, peers and materials, adding on to their prior knowledge and their understanding of their surroundings (NEL, 2013).
“Holistic development". Children develop as a whole across the various developmental domains. This implies that there should be an attempt to incorporate different learning areas into each lesson to ensure that children are developing holistically. The activities or lesson should be relatable to the children’s life as well (NEL, 2013).
Integrating the Reggio emilia approach and the nel framework
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Learning that teachers plays a vital role in facilitating children's learning in the NEL Framework, it can be inferred that teachers can carefully observe and track the growth of children upon carrying out the facilitation in a Reggio-inspired classroom.
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As children are said to be their own constructors of knowledge, meaningful learning experiences can be build upon as they build knowledge through interacting with the people and materials around them. This agrees with the Reggio Emilia principle of the classroom as the "third teacher". Knowing the significance of documentation in our approach, children's work are taken seriously in a way which they are encouraged to approach their work responsibly and reinforce their prior ideas.