ELC News

Lyn Pewtress, Director of the ELC 

Intentional teaching in early childhood education 

At our ELC, we embrace a range of learning approaches to support children’s growth and development. Alongside the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we also use intentional teaching, a methodology that ensures educators are purposeful in the way they guide children’s learning.

Intentional teaching goes beyond providing answers - it’s about creating opportunities for discovery. Educators thoughtfully plan experiences, ask open-ended questions and design environments that inspire curiosity, exploration and problem-solving. 

For example, we may extend a child’s play by introducing new materials, posing thought-provoking questions, or sharing ideas that spark deeper thinking.

The strength of this approach lies in its balance: it nurtures children’s natural interests and wonder while drawing on the professional knowledge and planning of educators. In doing so, it helps children build essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and resilience.

By being intentional in our teaching, we create meaningful learning experiences that prepare children not only for school, but for a lifetime of curiosity and growth.

I’d like to share with you a recent real-life example of quality intentional teaching in the ELC from one one of co-educators, Phuong Harjanta.  Read below.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Phuong!