#London #United Kingdom #Nord Anglia #Early Education #Flag Time

Nord Anglia Education’s Flag Time Initiative: Fostering Early Learning

Nord Anglia Education has unveiled fascinating findings regarding its innovative classroom program called 'Flag Time.' Designed specifically for children aged 3 to 6, this daily 20-minute routine is reshaping how early learners perceive their educational journeys. Implemented across 50 classrooms globally from November 2024 to June 2025, 'Flag Time' aims to encourage self-awareness, independence, and a deeper understanding of personal learning styles, also known as metacognition.

Created by Dr. Anne Baldisseri, the Head of School at Avenues São Paulo, the concept behind 'Flag Time' is straightforward yet effective. Each child receives a personalized flag, which they locate at their designated learning station tailored to their unique needs and interests. This flag not only helps students identify their starting points but also motivates them to engage in specific tasks. Afterwards, they reflect on their experiences, fostering habits pivotal for self-regulation, goal setting, and cultivating self-awareness.

The research behind this initiative utilized the CHILD assessment model from the University of Cambridge, measuring aspects such as self-regulation, metacognition, and social-emotional skills on a four-point scale. Data was collected before and after the introduction of 'Flag Time' to ensure accurate evaluation of its impact.

Key Findings of the Study

The results were promising, showing notable advancements across all assessed areas:

• - Task Negotiation: Children improved by an impressive +0.76, indicating better autonomy in deciding how to approach tasks.
• - Independent Cooperative Activities: Engagement in peer-based learning rose by +0.72, showcasing enhanced collaborative skills among students.
• - Language Development: A +0.72 increase was observed in the ability to apply heard language concepts creatively.
• - Self-Awareness: An increase of +0.69 in recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses was recorded, a crucial factor in emotional intelligence.

Any increase above +0.50 was deemed significant, highlighting the meaningful growth achieved by the children participating in this initiative. The progress reflected improvements in executive function and language development—two foundational pillars of effective early education.

Dr. Baldisseri stated, "Flag Time has shown us what's possible when young children are given the tools to reflect, collaborate, and grow. The gains we've seen in confidence, independence, and self-awareness are just the beginning." This sentiment is echoed by teachers participating in the program, such as Valeria Sanchez from Colegio Menor Quito, who experienced a remarkable transformation in her students’ learning mindsets.

Impacts on Teaching Practice

Not only does 'Flag Time' benefit the students, but it also profoundly transforms the teaching practices of educators involved. Teachers reported feeling more confident in customizing learning experiences and utilizing observational data to design lesson plans that cater to individual learning needs. This evolving dynamic fosters deeper relationships between students and teachers, creating a collaborative learning environment where both parties thrive.

Looking Ahead

As Nord Anglia embarks on the second phase of the Flag Time project, a new cohort of teachers will be engaged to delve deeper into the initiative. Building on the substantial outcomes witnessed regarding student confidence and independence, this new phase aims to deepen reflective learning among an even broader base of Early Years students across Nord Anglia Education’s global network.

Nord Anglia Education continues to be a pioneering force in modern education. By focusing on personalized learning experiences and encouraging young learners to reflect on their educational paths, they are helping cultivate the next generation of creative and resilient global citizens.

To learn more about Nord Anglia Education and explore opportunities for your child, visit www.nordangliaeducation.com.