The Inspire Philosophy: Old School or New School?
The Inspire Philosophy: Old School or New School?
We live in a world that is modern, innovative, and ever-evolving. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we work, communicate, and even learn. With every passing year, our screens become brighter, smarter, and more engaging. However, if you step into our nursery, you might notice something missing, something that sets us apart in this digital age. We don’t use screens in our nursery!
While our teachers use nursery phones to document learning moments through photos and you may occasionally hear music playing in the background, we have made a deliberate choice to minimize exposure to technology in our setting. In an era where screens are almost unavoidable, we believe that early childhood education should be rooted in real-life, hands-on experiences.
Why Do We Limit Screens?
Children today have ample opportunities to engage with tablets, smartphones, and television screens at home. With appropriate boundaries and mindful use, technology can serve as a powerful educational tool. However, in the nursery environment, our priority is to nurture children’s holistic development through active, sensory-rich, and social experiences.
1. Fostering Social and Emotional Development
Research highlights that face-to-face interactions are crucial for young children's social and emotional growth. Through play, conversations, and group activities, children learn essential skills such as cooperation, empathy, turn-taking, and problem-solving. Without digital distractions, they build strong peer relationships and deepen their connection with teachers.
2. Enhancing Language and Communication
Language development flourishes in environments rich in verbal interactions. Engaging in storytelling, role-play, and hands-on discussions allows children to expand their vocabulary, develop sentence structures, and refine their communication skills. Studies have shown that excessive screen exposure can lead to delayed language acquisition, making real-world interactions all the more valuable.
3. Encouraging Physical Development
Active play is fundamental to children’s physical well-being. Running, climbing, jumping, and manipulating real-world objects strengthen fine and gross motor skills, something screens simply cannot provide. In a screen-free environment, children naturally move more, leading to better coordination, strength, and overall health.
4. Stimulating Creativity and Imagination
Open-ended, unstructured play fosters imagination and creativity. Whether they are building with blocks, engaging in pretend play, or exploring nature, children develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Without screens dictating their entertainment, they learn to create their own worlds, stories, and solutions.
5. Supporting Attention and Focus
Studies indicate that excessive screen time can impact attention span and cognitive function. In a nursery setting without screens, children engage in activities that require sustained focus, patience, and perseverance, skills that will benefit them throughout their education and life.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
Our approach isn’t about rejecting technology altogether, it’s about balance. We recognize that technology has a place in education and home life, and when used mindfully, it can complement learning. However, in early childhood, real-world interactions remain the most effective way to support holistic development.
Every family and every setting will have their own approach to technology use, and there is no single “right” way to navigate this topic. What’s important is to be intentional about when, where, and how technology is introduced.
By providing a nurturing, screen-free environment at the nursery, we empower children to explore, connect, and grow in the most natural way possible. So while they are here, we encourage them to be fully present, immersed in the joy of play, discovery, and authentic human connection.