Jumping Rope
/The possibilities of an experience connect to the complexity of the environment. In the classroom, simple open-ended materials invite children to explore possibilities, experience the moment fully, and connect with others.
Read MoreThe possibilities of an experience connect to the complexity of the environment. In the classroom, simple open-ended materials invite children to explore possibilities, experience the moment fully, and connect with others.
Read MoreSpending time in museums, craft fairs, and other creative venues creates an opportunity for educators to learn new innovative techniques that can be brought back to the classroom and shared.
Read MoreEach classroom investigation travels an uneven path with a different timeline. Some investigations last for days and others for years. As an educator, we can support each investigation through classroom design.
Read MoreNature offers wonderful possibilities for fun and connection in the learning community. Serendipity had come our way, we needed to embrace this wonderful gift in our lives.
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 MoreUtilizing loose parts in our learning community helps support the planet. We give new life to unwanted materials. Materials that end up becoming the medium for children’s creativity and learning.
Read MoreBefore the pandemic, group games were a staple of our practice in school-age care. We played many different games over the years, but one stands out as the all-time favorite. What made this game so appealing? What benefits did this game offer our learning community?
Read MoreIn school age care, the materials children enjoy most are simple in nature. In an age of technology and the internet, activities that create meaning still come from simple origins.
Read MoreThere is a renewed interest in the outdoor classroom. Educators are looking for ways to support families. Programs need more space to support quality care. Here are a few ideas of what makes a wonderful outdoor space for children.
Read MoreEach year the children bring new games and toys in the program. How can educators support the children’s interest in new toys and characters and inspire the children to express their own creativity?
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 MoreAs each child explores their interests they engage with different aspects of learning. As children’s interests change, they will have opportunities to learn new things. Children connect new skills to past work creating a well-rounded wealth of knowledge.
Read MoreHaving educators on the team who enjoy and want to share a special skill with the children is a benefit to the learning community. In this work the children gained skills and confidence in artistic techniques that carried over into their own creative work.
Read MoreSome children in the learning community struggle to make connections with creating their own play. They are comfortable following directions from adults. One way we bridge the gap between self-direction and dependence is guiding and giving to others.
Read MoreHow did an idea for utilizing recycled materials change into a project that united children together? A project that transformed one type of creativity into another with super outcomes.
Read MoreCreating program conditions that invite children to stretch the boundaries of their work is an essential part of our practice. Exploration and discovery are encouraged by creating a playful classroom with plentiful materials and time to experiment with ideas.
Read MoreAs educators, our role of guiding children gives us an opportunity to exert influence over their work and play. This story is about our exploration of line and how the educators tried to influence a passing interest and transform it into an in-depth investigation.
Read MoreIn our continuing exploration of dough, we made some new discoveries about the scientific process. At the same time the educators made some discoveries about our work with young children. What were the takeaways from our cotton dough experience?
Read MoreAs the children sat down to paint the salt dough they created, a discussion started. The children asked questions about the dough making process and sharing. What did we learn about the dough making process? What did we learn about sharing and each other?
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