Social interaction plays a vital role in the cognitive development of young children. As they start to form their own sense of identity, it is crucial to provide them with opportunities to engage with their peers in a collaborative setting. 

At the Early Learning Centre, one of the essential collaborative components in our children’s daily routine is the Learning Meeting. During this shared group time, the children gather with their educators to foster a culture of community and collaboration. Through regular participation, the children gradually develop an understanding of working together as a team. 

This forum, abundant with social interactions and language, offers the children the chance to grasp the roles of both speaker and listener, emphasising the importance of exchanging thoughts and ideas reciprocally. The children are encouraged to voice their own thoughts, ideas, questions, hypotheses, and engage in debate. These discussions are often connected to the children’s ongoing inquiries and projects, providing a foundation for future planning and learning. 

When given opportunities to contribute to their own learning and be heard, the children experience a sense of belonging and agency. During the Learning Meeting, they may also discuss and delegate roles and responsibilities for the day and address social issues, promoting problem-solving skills among the children. Educators document the meetings so that the children can revisit the topics discussed, plans made, or agreements reached. 

The Learning Meeting exemplifies one of the many collaborative learning opportunities that the children actively participate in each day at the Early Learning Centre.