What does being a curiosity approach accredited nanny mean?
What does being a curiosity approach accredited nanny mean?
Firstly, if you’re wondering what The Curiosity Approach even is, you can find out here The Curiosity Approach
If you’re looking for me to explain what I see the approach as, here’s a passage from what I’ve written before;
So how would I explain this approach in a nutshell? I say, Steph and Lyndsey have looked back over the years at some of our most wonderful pioneers in childhood studies and have taken all the best parts of their theories and mixed them all together to create The Curiosity Approach.
On the surface it appears to be about aesthetics, beautifully created rooms with neutral tones, curious loose parts* and cosy areas.
But the approach runs much deeper than what appears to be on the surface, it talks to the core of what I believe childhood should be.
Treating children with respect, putting importance in their voices, caring about what their needs are as a whole not just about getting them to write their names and count in row and getting them back in touch with nature and the natural world.
So how does this work being a Curiosity Approach nanny?
I’ve had to find a way to make the Curiosity Approach work whilst being a nanny. One of the ways I have done this is by building my own library of resources that I bring along to spark curiosity; Loose parts and authentic resources that can be universal and used in a variety of ways.
I buy my families a tuff spot* and I create invitations to play tailored around the children’s individual interest and learning styles ~ this is what you’ll see when you skim my social medias. Yes? Pretty tuff spots. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064254993502
So, having a Curiosity Approach nanny just means wooden toys and conkers then?
On the surface I can see why you may come to that conclusion, a quick scroll down my social medias and you’ll see some lovingly created tuff spots, conkers, metals pots and coloured rice.. but dig deeper. Read the captions to my posts, understand my WHY.
Yes, the children being given the chance to engage in open ended play* using authentic resources as apposed to their usual toys that are at home, is a huge part of me bringing the approach in, but there really is so much more to this.
So what are Some my WHY’s then?
Independence: I massively advocate for independence and building trust with the children in my care. Maria Montessori said, ‘never do for a child that he can do for himself’ and this is a perfect saying still to this day. So the children will be helping me food prep, helping to take care of their environment, learning to be independent in their own self-care. The children will learn that I trust them to complete certain tasks. i.e. scale that climbing frame at the park independently. A little bit of trust goes a long way in a child’s confidence.
Outdoor learning: I spend a huge amount of time outside in the community and out in nature with the children. We don’t worry about what the weather is like, we dress appropriately. We don’t care if we get dirty, we can always be cleaned. But the experiences from bug hunting, puddle jumping, talking to our local librarian can not be replaced from sitting indoors…We will probably be found climbing the odd tree too!
Freedom: the children in my care are given the freedom to be whom they are authentically, to speak freely of their minds. To express themselves and their emotions as and when they feel them and to know I am their safe space.
Children have the freedom to chose how their day will pan out (within reason of course) and the confidence to tell me this.
Are you having a bad day and just feel like sitting in the tent for a while will do you some good? Ok!
Mindfulness; not just for the children but also for me. Aware of the here and now, of everyone’s mindset of the day. Being mindful of my approach and the effects I can have on the dynamics of the day.
Did the children have a busy weekend, are they anxious of something that’s coming up? I need to be mindful every day. What may seem insignificant to us could be a huge deal to the little people.
Curiosity; yes I know, I use this word a lot BUT it really is at the core of my approach. How wonderful it really is to be able to be curious. When was the last time you stopped and smelled the wildflowers, stood, and curiously, looked at what insects were also delighting in the wildness? When was the last time you curiously looked up at the sky? I promise myself to stay curious for me to remember the importance of sparking curiosity within the children. I ask myself daily are we really too busy that we can stop and inspect the peculiar crack in the pavement for a minute today? Can I give a better answer to their curious question other than ‘I don’t know’ …
So yes, The Curiosity Approach is a lot more than pretty tuff spots with conkers in, it’s a whole entire approach to raising children and how it looks on a day to day basis from a nannies point of view … who knows? We’ll see where our curiosity takes us.
Lastly, I’ll finish this of with addressing those who are going to be reading this thinking ‘I already do this, its not The Curiosity Approach it’s just what I do.’ What do I say to that? Great. I am so glad that you see the values that The CA have seen for many years. The difference with me being accredited with The CA is that I am now part of a tribe, a like minded family of people where we all champion each other, challenge each other and remind each other to be mindful every day. As let’s face it.. we’re all only human after all.
Love, The Curious Nanny.
https://www.instagram.com/the.curious.nanny/?hl=en
Useful links;
The Curiosity Approach explained; https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/blog/are-you-curious-about-the-curiosity-approach
*Loose parts/authentic materials; https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/blog/loose-parts-and-recycled-materials
Authentic Resources (thecuriosityapproach.com)
*Tuff trays/spots; https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/blog/tuff-trays