“Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.”

– Aaron Bradbury, shared by Lauren

In this episode of Atelier Talks, we discuss one of the most central elements of our pedagogy: how we use projects and provocations to build deeply meaningful learning for children. We promote learning that evolves over time, follows children’s unique interests, and offers endless possibilities.

In this episode we reflect on some of our most powerful projects from across the years (we’ve got quite a few favourites!) from the Streets of Bath and the Big (big, big) Bath Abbey to Teas & Tonics, rainbow pasta, and our community-based exhibitions. We explore the role of observation, documentation, and pedagogical conversation in making these projects visible, vibrant, and ever evolving. Whether you're a practitioner or a nursery leader, this episode will help you slow down, look closer, and support your team in delivering truly child-centred, research-rich learning that also builds on your nursery’s legacy of learning that your early years children will treasure for years to come.

In this episode, we share:

• What we mean by “projects” and “provocations”, and how we define the difference
• How we build long-term, child-led investigations across age groups and settings
• Examples of our favourite projects… Mango pasta, anyone?
• The importance of “slow pedagogy” and taking learning at the child’s pace
• How we use exhibitions to make learning visible for children, families and the whole community
• What pedagogical conversations look like in our weekly staff planning time
• How to support your team to plan, document, and challenge their assumptions of what our children are capable of
• Why reflection and observation are the most powerful tools we have as educators

Standing on the shoulders of giants

The magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows:

• Aaron Bradbury – for his insights into observation, deep listening and co-constructed curriculum. Here’s a reminder of the beautiful quote Lauren shared in this episode from Early Childhood Theories Today' by Aaron Bradbury and Ruth Swailes:

“Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.”

• Loris Malaguzzi – for the Reggio Emilia approach to long-term project work, documentation and the Hundred Languages of Children
• Friedrich Froebel – for his influence on materials, connection, opposites, and real-life skills
• Simon Nicholson – for his Theory of Loose Parts and its impact on open-ended, investigative learning
• Martin Pace – for challenging and refining our thinking around project and provocation pedagogy
• Reggio Children – for inspiring the way we present learning, design space, and curate provocations

Find out more:

Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk

Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd

Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website

Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning.

Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast

Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative

Keywords: projects and provocations, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, slow pedagogy, documentation, early years planning, child-led learning, project-based learning, pedagogical conversations, EYFS leadership, rainbow pasta, early years exhibitions, nursery planning time, observation in early years, theory into practice