Sprig Blog
Discover the latest happenings in early childhood education. Read insights and discover resources on topics such as holistic learning, formative assessment, equity in education and differentiated instruction. Stay up to date with all company news and announcements.
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The Interactive Map of Holistic Learning in Canada
A holistic approach to education is often the answer to many of the challenges faced by school districts and policy makers today. This interactive map of Canada looks at the state of holistic education across the country.
Augmented Reality in Early Childhood Education. More Than a Trend.
Will augmented reality work in early childhood education? It will, if used in the right context. We explain its potential. Adding technology to any learning program will not immediately translate into improved student outcomes. However, technology, when used with physical educational materials, has the potential to add tremendous value to classrooms.
Holistic Formative Assessments. The New Wave.
Formative assessments are used by educators throughout North America to teach students. How can holistic formative assessments help? In education, formative assessments are extremely popular. Schools that use formative assessment show gains in academic achievement for students. For previously underachieving students, the gains are more pronounced due to the impact of formative assessments.
Recommendations to Make Best Use of ESSER Funds
ESSER contains 3 stimulus packages thus far to help schools during the public emergency. With the right recommendations, it’s a tremendous opportunity to make long-term winning investments.
![Sprig Learning Yearly Review [Includes message from CEO]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1221-YearlyReviewBlog-Website-1-400x250.png)
Sprig Learning Yearly Review [Includes message from CEO]
This is Sprig Learning’s 2021 end of year reflection. There is so much to be grateful for, as we work to ensure all early learners have the best shot at success in school.
4 Types of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education
Parental involvement is essential for a high-quality early childhood education. For best results, make sure that these four things are taken into consideration.
5 Solutions to 5 Key Challenges in Early Learning in North America
Every challenge has a solution. Apply these 5 solutions to address the 5 major early learning challenges faced by schools in North America.
5 Early Learning Challenges Faced by Schools and Programs Across North America
So many articles, journals, whitepapers, conferences, and experts agree on these 5 challenges in early education. Yet, they continue to exist. What are they? We discuss.
The Essential Terms in Early Childhood Educational Equity and How They Increase Quality
In order to address the opportunity gaps that exist in early childhood education, all relevant terms that make or break a program should be understood. We cover the most essential terms in this article.
11 More Key Figures in Early Childhood Education in North America
Organization focused influencers in early childhood education are a driving force in the betterment of early learning. We look at 11 key figures in North America.
21 Key Figures Today in Early Childhood Education in North America
Early childhood education is a discipline that continues to evolve over the years. Here are 21 key influencers today who make ECE what it is.
The Unrivaled Miniguide to Introducing Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning
Use this miniguide to build your differentiated instruction strategy for early learners. Acquire a complete perspective of differentiated instruction implementation.
What Is Holistic Learning’s Role in Assessing Early Literacy?
Is there such a thing as a holistic approach to assessment in education? We explore the depth to which holistic learning and assessments align with early literacy.
The Equity Issues in Early Childhood Education That Will Stop You in Your Tracks.
We have a long way to go to achieve equity in early childhood education. Here is some food for thought and potential solutions.
Dealing with Implicit Bias in Early Learning Assessments
Is it possible to mitigate implicit bias in early learning assessments? Further your understanding of this topic and get some recommendations.
What You Should Know about Assessments In Early Childhood Education.
Assessments are essential in schools, but are we missing something in the way we conduct assessments? See how formative assessments could be immune to learning disruption.
The Most Emphatic Early Learning Numbers Explained. 0 to 100!
If we only looked at the numbers and nothing else, what story would that depict? In early learning, we look at many such numbers from zero to hundred to tell a story.
![Benefits of Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning—The Comprehensive List [With Matching Strategies]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1910-DITacticsBlog-Website-400x250.png)
Benefits of Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning—The Comprehensive List [With Matching Strategies]
What’s the hype about differentiated instruction in early learning? We address all of its benefits in one place, with strategies to match.
Why You Need High-Quality Head Start Preschools for Early Learning
A robust head start preschool program is required to educate early learners. But what’s the difference between a high-quality preschool vs other preschools?
Formal Formative Assessment or Informal Formative Assessment. What’s Right for Early Learning?
Is one type of formative assessment better than the other for early learning? We explore the nature of both formal & informal assessments.
How Differentiated Learning Supports All Forms of Early Learning
Differentiated learning is not a standalone approach. It affects many other types of early learning approaches. We look at the central role it plays in early learning.
13 Amazing Indigenous Learning Initiatives from 13 Provinces & Territories of Canada
In honour of Orange Shirt Day, we pledge to never forget, but to look ahead. Canada is in the process of reconciliation. These 13 Indigenous learning initiatives are making an impact.
Early Learning Funding Sources That You Must Follow in the US
Improving quality and accessibility of early learning programs has always required appropriate investments. In response to the greater urgency for funding, we list the must-follow early learning funding sources in the US.
15 Characteristics of Holistic Learning
You’ve heard the idea of holistic learning before in early childhood education. We bring you 15 characteristics that reveal the essence of holistic education, with examples.
The North American Primer on Early Indigenous Education
Indigenous education awareness is at an all-time high. We explain the current state, challenges and opportunities in North America, focusing on early learners who are most impacted by any change.
Learning Loss and the Road to Recovery for School Children
It’s said that Covid 19 school closures have devastated early learning. We discuss the journey from learning loss to learning recovery for those affected.
Sprig Learning Partner wins Governor General’s Innovation Award
Indigenous education authority, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, recognized for its innovative approach to learning. OTTAWA, ON (May 20, 2021) —The Mi’kmaw education authority in Nova Scotia is one of six recipients from across Canada to win the prestigious Governor...
Ontario Partners with Canadian EdTech Company to Support New Math Curriculum
Sprig Math Focuses on Building a Deeper Understanding of Mathematics in the Early Years. OTTAWA, ON (March 10, 2021) — Leading educational technology company, Sprig Learning, launches Sprig Math to support teachers, students and families as they navigate the...
Designing Classroom Resources: Part Two – Process & Execution Design Tips & Tricks for Early Childhood Educators
For part two of our ‘Designing Classroom Resources’ series, Chris is going to focus on process and execution; how to create engaging resources that are inspired by your own ideas or by borrowing inspiration from/putting your own twist on activities you may have...
Designing Classroom Resources: Part One – Fonts Design Tips & Tricks for Early Childhood Educators
Interested in creating your own classroom resources for early learners? Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Sprig’s in-house graphic designer is sharing a design education series just for you; to give you access to the tips and tricks you need to design...
More Tips to Protect Your Child’s Data Online (Part Two – Children on Computers)
As a follow-up to Part One - Children on Computers, we now shift the focus to securing data on mobile technology. While the evolution of mobile and wireless technologies have contributed positively to lives over the past 10+ years, many people continue to debate the...
Five Tips to Protect Your Child’s Data Online (Part One – Children on Computers)
With most schools running either part- or full-time remote learning programs (or a combination of both), parents are advised to stay vigilant about doing everything they can to protect their child’s data online. At Sprig Learning, we take online security and privacy...
COVID Slide: How COVID-19 Affects Young Learners
COVID-19 brought the entire world to a standstill. Arguably, the education sector was the most impacted. School closures for nearly six months are having a profound impact on young learners. According to UNESCO, approximately 1.5 billion children were affected by...
Innovation meets Indigenous pedagogy: the Canadian company revitalizing Indigenous languages
This article was originally published at https://www.canadadownunder.org.au/sprig-learning/ Jarrett Laughlin comes from a family of Canadian educators. As someone with nearly two decades of experience in the Canadian education sector, his passion and work are...
Canadian EdTech Company Launches Free Early Learning Platform for Parents During School Closures
Across the country, Canadian families are feeling the effects of COVID-19 school closures. In some provinces, schools have been closed indefinitely, prompting many parents to seek credible learning resources that have been designed with them in mind. In response,...
ICTC Q&A With Sprig Learning Founder Jarrett Laughlin
This interview was originally published by The Information and Communications Technology Council on Monday, March 9, 2020. The constant proliferation of new educational technologies can distract from important questions such as “Is this software helpful” and...
Sprig Learning Expands Oral Language Learning Program
Sprig Learning, a leader in holistic early years programming, is excited to launch our new innovative platform Sprig 2.0 for the 2019-20 school year. With improved data visualization for educators, iOS assessment application features and learning resources for...
Using Data to Drive Decisions in the Classroom
There’s a change going on at my school near the Trans-Canada Highway in the southeastern Alberta town of Bassano. Teachers are turning on to how student data can be used to drive decisions in the classroom. I’ve been the principal at Bassano School for about three...
As Class Sizes Grow, So Does the Need for Efficient Data Management Practices
Education administrators, teachers and parents have access to more personalized data about their students than ever before. With class sizes growing and caps being removed, it is important that we learn how to process and apply the information collected effectively to...
SXSW EDU 2019
Sprig Learning CEO Jarrett Laughlin had the opportunity to talk about how an iPad and real-time data are helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Nova Scotia capture multiple perspectives of early literacy while promoting language learning in the home,...
It Takes Two to Keep Student Data Safe
Technology isn't leaving anytime soon – that's a fact. With job markets desperate for digital skills and teachers desperate for support, devices have a place in today's education system. The trouble is, schools are adopting technology at an accelerating rate while the...
Freethinking Finger-Painters: Media Literacy for Early Learners
The truth is hard to come by, isn't it? Even for adults, the line between truth and falsehood is often blurry. Social media, news sites, online publications – the access to information is limitless but so too is our exposure to misinformation. For every reputable news...
Student Data Privacy – What Makes Sprig So Secure?
Protecting student data is a top priority for school districts and schools, and with the upswing of new edtech products on the market, it can be hard to qualify which tools offer the kind of protection that you and your students need. While some edtech companies may...
Sprig Learning Wins Best Language Learning App of 2018
We are thrilled to announce that the Sprig Learning Bookshelf has been named the Tech Edvocate’s Best Language Learning App of 2018! The Sprig Learning Bookshelf was built in partnership with Mi’kmaw Kina’matenwey of Nova Scotia, and provides Indigenous and...
6 Strategies that Boost Parental Engagement
Parental engagement is one of the most powerful ways to raise student achievement in academics, but actually getting parents in the door of your school is easier said than done. Check out Sprig Learning's six strategies to boosting parental engagement, and create a...
Culturally Responsive Teaching for the Digital Age
Children of all backgrounds should have role models to admire. Most young children have heroes and they’re often quite literal in the rationale behind their choices. Race and gender are often deciding factors and while pop culture is responding by diversifying content...
Digital Literacy is Important, Early Literacy is Important-er
Coding, digital literacy, tech etiquette – these competencies are being squeezed into curriculums faster than you can say ‘growth mindset’. There is a justified reasoning behind this digital push, but let’s not forget the importance of early literacy. Without...
Why Traditional Early Years Assessment is Failing
Among personalized learning and caregiver engagement, student assessment is one of the most important aspects of early learning. Educators who consistently use formative assessment strategies are shown to double the speed of learning for students in their classroom....
