At Waves Early Learning, we are always striving to deepen the way we engage with children’s learning and development. Recently, Miss Maddy and Miss Nikki attended professional development training on the 8 Ways of Learning, and this has inspired a fresh approach to our programming and documentation.
The 8 Ways of Learning is a pedagogical framework that emphasises multiple pathways to knowledge, understanding, and expression. It recognises that every child learns differently and that effective learning environments should make space for these diverse approaches.
How We’ve Implemented the 8 Ways at Waves
A Curriculum Wall
One of the most exciting changes we’ve made is the introduction of our Curriculum Wall in the room. This wall is a living, evolving learning map that both educators and children contribute to. It provides a visual representation of our projects, ideas, and goals showing children that their voice and participation are central to the learning journey.
Children are invited to add to the wall, reflect on past experiences, and help shape the direction of what we explore together. This makes learning visible and empowers children to see themselves as active participants.
Working Towards Goals and Milestones
Using the 8 Ways framework, we now structure projects around clear goals. As children engage, explore, and build knowledge, we work towards achieving six milestones within each project. These milestones highlight significant moments of progress, collaboration, or discovery.
Each milestone is photographed, celebrated, and displayed, allowing children to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and families to see the depth of the process.
Summaries of Learning
When we reach the end of a project, a summary of learning is created. This brings together the photographs, reflections, and key experiences from the journey, celebrating not just the outcome but also the process that led us there. These summaries help us acknowledge children’s growth, resilience, and creativity.
The Program Book
All of this work is carefully documented in our Program Book. At the conclusion of each project, the Program Book becomes a record of the children’s collective learning story, a treasure for families, educators, and the children themselves to revisit. It showcases the way the 8 Ways of Learning have guided our practice and shaped the experiences we’ve shared.
Why This Matters
By embedding the 8 Ways of Learning into our program, we are:
- Honouring diverse learning styles.
- Giving children a voice in their learning.
- Encouraging collaboration and community.
- Providing clear, visual pathways that make learning meaningful and achievable.
- Supporting families to see and celebrate their child’s journey.
This approach not only enriches children’s learning but also strengthens our educators’ practice, giving us a reflective and purposeful way to plan, act, and document.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to continue refining this new style of programming and to see how the children respond to having a greater sense of ownership over their learning. The Curriculum Wall, milestones, and Program Book are already fostering enthusiasm and pride in both children and educators.
At Waves, we believe that learning is not a straight line but a journey filled with stories, connections, and achievements. With the 8 Ways of Learning, we are better equipped than ever to nurture this journey in a way that is visible, meaningful, and deeply engaging.