Understanding the Impact of 'Flag Time' for Young Learners
An exciting new initiative known as 'Flag Time' is transforming early education by enhancing children’s confidence and independence.
What is 'Flag Time'?
'Flag Time' is a structured 20-minute routine designed for children aged 3 to 6, created by Dr. Anne Baldisseri, Head of School at Avenues São Paulo. This initiative is rooted in the philosophy of empowering children to understand their unique learning styles and use that knowledge effectively.
The Flag System
In the 'Flag Time' routine, each child receives a personalized flag that identifies their learning station. This flag serves as a beacon for them to locate their corresponding task, specially tailored to suit their interests and capabilities. After completing the task, students partake in a reflective exercise, fostering self-regulation, goal-setting, and heightened self-awareness.
Research Findings and Improvements
The research conducted from late 2024 to mid-2025 gathered insights from 50 classroom environments across the Nord Anglia network. Using a specific assessment model known as CHILD (Checklist of Independent Learning Development), researchers evaluated key areas such as metacognition and self-regulation before and after the introduction of 'Flag Time'.
Significant Gains in Learning
Initial results unveiled meaningful advancements in several core areas, highlighting improvements in:
- Negotiating task management (+0.76)
- Engaging in independent group activities (+0.72)
- Utilizing language creatively (+0.72)
- Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses (+0.69)
These findings underline the essential objectives of early education, focusing on enriching students' executive functions and enhancing their social-emotional development.
Testimonials from Educators
Dr. Anne Baldisseri shared insights on the transformative nature of 'Flag Time', stating, "This initiative demonstrates how children flourish when given the right tools for reflection and cooperation." Educators involved have noted profound shifts in their teaching approach, gaining confidence to tailor learning experiences according to observed data.
Valeria Sanchez, a teacher from Colegio Menor Quito, remarked on the profound effect of the program, expressing, "The shift in mindset among students has been remarkable. They now more clearly understand their learning preferences and areas where they require support."
The Future of 'Flag Time'
As the program continues into its second year, Nord Anglia Education plans to introduce a new group of educators into the fold. The objective remains the same: to dig deeper into how 'Flag Time' can foster reflective learning across a broader audience within the Early Years framework.
About Nord Anglia Education
Nord Anglia Education is a leading entity in the global education sector, dedicated to shaping the future of young learners into creative and resilient global citizens. By combining robust academic foundations with state-of-the-art technology and innovative teaching practices, they craft unique learning experiences that empower students.
Consistently personalizing education to meet the diverse needs of students, Nord Anglia's schools are home to nearly 90 day and boarding institutions across 37 countries, supporting over 95,000 students aged 3 to 18 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is 'Flag Time' designed for?
'Flag Time' is specifically tailored for children aged 3 to 6 years.
Who developed the concept of 'Flag Time'?
The 'Flag Time' concept was developed by Dr. Anne Baldisseri, Head of School at Avenues São Paulo.
What improvements have been observed in students?
Students have shown significant improvement in confidence, independence, self-awareness, and metacognitive skills.
How was the effectiveness of 'Flag Time' measured?
The effectiveness was measured using the CHILD assessment model, evaluating various self-regulation and social-emotional skills before and after implementation.
What are the long-term goals for 'Flag Time'?
The aim is to expand the program to reach more Early Years students, promoting deeper reflective learning.
