How Project Zero Inspires Us at Small But Mighty

We believe that young children aren’t just learners they’re thinkers, creators, and curious explorers of the world around them.

That’s why our approach is inspired by the groundbreaking research of Project Zero from Harvard University. Originally developed to support thinking and creativity in schools, Project Zero encourages educators to create learning environments where children’s thinking is made visible, valued, and expanded.

But how does this connect to a daycare environment filled with tiny hands, big questions, and joyful noise?

Thinking Routines in Action

One of the core ideas from Project Zero is the use of thinking routines — simple, repeatable prompts that help children express their thoughts and deepen their understanding.

In our classrooms, this might look like:

• “What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder?” while exploring natural materials outside.

• “I used to think… Now I think…” after reading a story about another culture or a new animal.

• “What makes you say that?” during open-ended play or art.

These moments help children not only build language but also develop confidence in their ideas, empathy for others, and a sense of agency in their learning.

The Arts as a Way of Thinking

Project Zero also reminds us that the arts are not just for decoration - they’re powerful tools for thinking and self-expression.

We embrace this by:

• Giving children open access to materials like clay, charcoal, watercolour, and natural found objects.

• Allowing time for long-term projects where their ideas evolve over days or even weeks.

• Displaying children’s artwork thoughtfully, with their own words beside it, helping families see their growth and voice.

This reflects our belief that creativity isn’t a break from learning — it *is* learning.

Rooted in Place, Connected to the World

Here in Cochrane, Alberta — where the prairies meet the mountains and Indigenous and settler stories intertwine — we are proud to nurture children who think deeply about themselves, others, and their environment.

Project Zero helps us ask:

• “What kind of thinkers and citizens are we helping to raise?” ... And our answer is: Curious ones. Kind ones. Brave ones.

Just like the research suggests. When we trust in children’s capacity to think, we prepare them not just for school, but for life.