The 6 principles of nurture are foundational to creating supportive and understanding environments for children, recognizing their developmental needs and emotional well-being. These principles guide educators and caregivers in fostering growth and resilience.
Here are the six principles of nurture:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Children's learning is understood developmentally | Acknowledges that children learn and develop at their own pace, progressing through distinct stages. Support is tailored to their current developmental capacity. |
| The classroom offers a safe base | Provides a secure, predictable, and emotionally safe environment where children feel accepted, valued, and confident enough to explore, take risks, and express themselves. |
| Nurture is important in the development of wellbeing | Emphasizes that caring relationships and a supportive environment are crucial for a child's emotional health, self-esteem, and ability to regulate their emotions and build resilience. |
| Language is understood as a vital means of communication | Highlights the significance of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Focuses on developing children's ability to express thoughts and feelings and to understand others, recognizing language as a key to connection. |
| All behaviour is communication | Recognizes that every action, especially challenging behaviour, conveys a message about a child's unmet needs, feelings, or experiences. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective support. |
| Transitions are significant in the lives of children | Understands that changes, big or small (like starting school, moving classes, or family changes), can be stressful. Nurturing support helps children navigate these periods smoothly, reducing anxiety and promoting successful adaptation. |
Understanding the Principles of Nurture
These principles provide a framework for creating environments that promote children's holistic development, ensuring they feel secure, understood, and supported in their learning journey and emotional growth.
- Children's learning is understood developmentally: This principle underscores the importance of assessing a child's individual stage of development rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, understanding that a toddler's tantrum is often a developmental stage of expressing frustration due to limited verbal skills, rather than defiance.
- The classroom offers a safe base: A nurturing setting acts as a haven where children feel secure enough to engage with learning and relationships. This involves consistent routines, clear boundaries, and responsive adults who provide emotional support.
- Nurture is important in the development of wellbeing: Emotional well-being is intrinsically linked to positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Nurturing approaches help children develop self-regulation skills, empathy, and a positive self-concept, which are vital for mental health.
- Language is understood as a vital means of communication: This principle extends beyond spoken words to include gestures, facial expressions, and body language. By fostering strong communication skills, children can better express their needs and understand the world around them.
- All behaviour is communication: Even the most challenging behaviours are seen as a child's attempt to communicate an underlying need or feeling that they cannot articulate verbally. For instance, a child constantly seeking attention might be communicating a need for more connection or reassurance.
- Transitions are significant in the lives of children: Supporting children through transitions, such as starting a new school year or coping with changes at home, minimizes stress and anxiety. Preparing children for these changes and providing consistent support helps them adapt and thrive.
These principles collectively foster an environment where children feel emotionally secure, understood, and empowered to learn and grow.
