Learning Through Imagination – How Sarah's Wedding Dress Brought Joy and Discovery to Caterpillars 1

At Ashton House Nursery, we believe that the best learning experiences come from recognising and embracing the natural curiosity of children.

This week, the Caterpillars room was buzzing with excitement as Sarah, one of our incredible room leaders, brought in her wedding dress and wedding album to share with the children. What started as a thoughtful observation of the children's growing interest in dressing-up became a magical opportunity for play, exploration, and learning.

Recognising the Spark of Curiosity

Sarah noticed that many of the children in Caterpillars were captivated by the dressing-up corner. From superhero capes to princess gowns, their imaginative play often revolved around wearing special clothes. Responding to this interest, Sarah decided to bring in her own wedding dress—something personal, beautiful, and rich with stories that also connected her life outside the nursery to the shared community within.

The children were thrilled. They took turns trying on the intricate gown, marvelling at its sequins and sparkle. They were fascinated by the wedding album, pointing at the pictures and engaging with the stories Sarah shared about her special day.

This moment perfectly exemplifies the Reggio Emilia ethos that helps shape our approach at Ashton House Nursery. We celebrate children as capable and curious learners, recognising their ability to guide their own educational journey.

Sarah didn’t simply observe the children’s interest—she allowed it to guide her and create a meaningful experience for them.

The Benefits of Sarah's Thoughtful Engagement

By introducing her wedding dress and album into the Caterpillars' play, Sarah created an environment rich with developmental benefits:

Imaginative Play
The children’s imaginations were ignited as they role-played scenarios inspired by weddings and family celebrations. Through this, they developed their creativity and problem-solving skills while practicing communication and collaboration.

Emotional Development
By sharing her personal story, Sarah fostered a sense of connection and trust. The children felt valued and engaged as they learned about her special day, enhancing their emotional intelligence and empathy.

Language and Vocabulary Growth
The discussions around the wedding album provided a natural opportunity for the children to expand their vocabulary. Words like "veil," "ceremony," and "celebration" became part of their growing linguistic repertoire.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills
As they carefully handled the dress and took turns wearing it, the children developed both fine and gross motor skills, refining their movements as they navigated the fabric’s intricacies.

Children Educating Teachers

The Reggio Emilia approach teaches us that education is a partnership between the child and the teacher. It was the Caterpillars’ enthusiasm for dressing-up that inspired Sarah to bring in her wedding dress—a perfect example of how children can guide educators to shape the curriculum in meaningful and engaging ways. In this moment, Sarah was not just a teacher but also a learner, listening to the children and finding a way to make their interests central to their learning experience.

Going Above and Beyond

Sarah’s thoughtful gesture reflects her dedication to creating an environment where children feel seen, heard, and inspired. By bringing a piece of her personal life into the classroom, she demonstrated her understanding of the Reggio Emilia principle that children learn best in a space filled with authentic and real-world materials. Her effort to connect with the children’s interests and spark their curiosity has left a lasting impression on both the children and the nursery team.

Celebrating Everyday Magic

At Ashton House Nursery, moments like these remind us why we’re so passionate about early years education. Our educators work tirelessly to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and joy in every child. Sarah’s wedding dress story is just one of many examples of how our team goes above and beyond to create magical learning experiences every day.

As we continue to explore the children’s fascination with dressing-up, we look forward to seeing where their imaginations lead us next. After all, education is not about teaching children what to think—it’s about learning to see the world through their eyes.