Our learning community started a new investigation, but the children quickly become uninterested in the work. I decided to create another invitation in an attempt to re-kindle interest in the original subject. The outcome of this work was not what I expected.
Read MoreAlways following directions tell us there is only one correct answer. In practice, directions are a guide to the beginning of a learning journey.
Read MoreAs an educator, we can choose to be a partner with children as they direct their learning, instead of the person with all the answers. The four steps of inquiry can help us become better partners along the learning journey.
Read MoreMost of us learned at a young age that the purpose of learning is to collect information to use on a test. Learning has changed. As educators, how can we share the joy of the learning journey with children?
Read MoreAn interest in flight inspired our learning community to find new ways to create planes without paper. What did we discover? How can our discoveries during the learning journey help your practice grow and thrive?
Read MoreBy following children’s ideas and supporting their interests we create opportunities for other children to join in. We create opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and enjoyment of the learning journey.
Read MoreEvery project has challenges. This is a part of the learning journey. Talking with the children about the challenges of their work helps them discover new ideas and solutions. When we support children through conversation then challenges become opportunities.
Read MoreBe open to new experiences. The outcome we imagine is often different from the experience. Every new experience will feature twists and turns as we explore and interpret how to work with new tools and the medium.
Read MoreWhat happens when a planned activity does not go as planned? What lessons can educators and children learn from this experience? Join us for the continuing story of our dough exploration. A learning journey inspired by the children’s wonderings and desire to express their creativity with salt, flour, and water.
Read MoreMaterials have the potential to inspire and direct the work of the children. During a special time and season, one material inspired the learning community to work, create, explore, and enjoy together.
Read MoreMany principals of Genius Hour complement the practices of learner-centered education. Practices that would benefit the school age care community.
Read MoreAs educators, we have an opportunity to partner with children. We can offer materials, space, and time so children can follow their interests and engage in math and other learning concepts through the creation of their work.
Read MoreWhat are the seven main actions I observed as children engaged in the learning experience? This is a unique journey for each child and is not as programmed and standardized as we may be led to believe.
Read MoreThis is a story about an ant, one apple slice and the children’s journey to find answers. What did we learn about the ant, the children’s process of learning, and discovery in this moment of serendipity?
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 engage in play with different materials. Ideation is a tool children employ to gain understanding about their investigations.
Read MoreWhen children are engaged in activities there is often a concern or a conversation among adults if the activity is educational. What does the term educational actually mean?
Read MoreChildren love using recycled materials to create. The open-ended nature of the materials invite children to explore and dream about what is possible.
Read MoreIt is wonderful to see children use tools and explore techniques from previous explorations to create new work. Often, creative work initiated by one child motivates other children to join in the creative process.
Read MoreLearning together is the work that we do as educators, to hold space for children as they construct knowledge in their own way, at their own pace. Learning together is shaped by the image of the child you hold.
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