Online and In-person Professional Development
A learning story about my observation of children working on discovering images of self through materials. How this observation informs our practice and how offering a variety of materials inspires children to engage deeply with provocations.
Read MoreThis is a story about reflective practice and how engaging in this activity can help educators open possibilities into their work with children. Reflective practice supports the educator in processing the numerous experiences that occur during a typical day, providing insight to our wonderings.
Read MoreOur values, beliefs, and actions when working along side young children, all start with our image of the child. How we see children is at the foundation of all our relationships with children.
Read MoreThis is a story about how the children surprised me with a newfound interest in chess. The surprise was not about the game itself but how the game inspired others in the learning community.
Read MoreThe gathering is a conversation amongst the learning community that is filled with possibilities for the work in the classroom. What makes a good gathering? What are the elements that make the gathering an experience that builds the learning community?
Read MoreAre all projects the children engage in detailed documented investigations? This is a story about recycled cardboard, paint and marbles. How did this work strengthen the learning community?
Read MoreDuring my time visiting the schools of La Casa Amarilla, I observed many of the classrooms and collected some learning stories. The following is a story about rope and the opportunity to investigate.
Read MoreI wonder if we have reached a point where the factory model of education needs some updating? Is it possible for education to transform into something that encourages children to learn how to learn, so they can explore different interests over a lifetime?
Read MoreA story of how chalk, space, and time help build the learning community.
Read MoreAs a new school year begins. The learning community is forming and part of the work for educators is self-examination. Now is a wonderful time to look where our journey as an educator has traveled and where it is going.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to have a calling? Do I need to have a calling? In search of clearer understanding I read more and discovered one idea that made the most sense.
Read MoreA wonderful part of the learning community blossoms when a few children create something that captures the imagination of other children, who join in and collaborate on adapting and creating a new version of the original creation.
Read MoreOur words, thoughts, and actions are the tools educators use to guide children along the learning journey. As educators, we have to decide to what degree competition and collaboration fit into our practice.
Read MoreOne afternoon we embarked on learning journey exploring the properties of foil. We investigated the wonderful possibilities of the material and in the process expressed kindness to others.
Read MoreJoyful play in children is about engagement. It starts with the children’s interest in a material or an idea. This is a process where children, alone and in collaboration, engage with their interest and take a deep dive into the process of finding answers.
Read MoreIn school age care, the children often engage in play with different materials. Ideation is a tool children employ to gain understanding about their investigations.
Read MoreSchool begins in about a month. After Labor Day, I will again see hundreds of children walk down to the school bus for their first day. For their benefit, I wish they would go outside sooner.
Read MoreWhen choosing their own work, often children are engaged with other children and much of the process of exploring their wonderings is done in collaboration. The process of discovery and creation then becomes a place for social interaction
Read MoreOur role as an educator is to scaffold and work alongside the children and support them in their investigation.
Read MoreIn my experience the children are most happy when they choose their own work. The reason for their happiness is because of being invested in what they are doing.
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