Often we document the success stories in our work with children. Some of the work we do is not as successful. Usually this occurs when we move away from the principals that inform our practice for the sake of convenience.
Read MoreAs an educator, we give time to others. We give selflessly to our schools, community, and children. The demands of serving others often take precedent over developing a rejuvenating self-care practice. Incorporating more play into our lives will support our growth and well-being.
Read MoreI read a quote that said the two most important days in a life is when you are born and when you find your calling. Too often we are looking for permission. We find something we love and are passionate about. We share it with others looking for a seal of approval.
Read MoreWhen educators observe children and stay in the moment, their actions and words give us clues about their interests and provide the direction our explorations will go.
Read MoreAll people are searching for space to create conversations that make connections easier. Today, the children used dry erase boards to create connection within the learning community.
Read MoreA discussion started amongst the children about if using others ideas was acceptable, to look at another design and then incorporate those ideas into your creation.
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 MoreThe invitation asked the children to use simple materials and go on a journey. A journey without a known destination. How did an exploration of paper, paint , and pressure invite the children to discover new insights into their creative process?
Read MoreChildren are amazing at living in the moment. They move about their day taking in the world with all of their senses. Children get to experience the true meaning of life.
Read MoreMany oohs and aahs came from the children gathered around the table where the egg drop was taking place. The volume in the room rose as conversation ensued about what happened to the first egg. Children shared on the spot theories as they collected the next egg to drop. .
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 MoreChildren often gravitate toward a favorite material and combine that with a new material they are interested in exploring.
Read MorePart of my practice as an educator is moving throughout the learning space and engaging in conversation with different children. During these interactions, I am looking for an opportunity to observe a child or a group of children, as they work on an exploration that invites further investigation.
Read MorePaper planes are a classic activity for children. Paper plane design has come a long way from the classic dart to the modern craft of today. What has not changed is the connection the children create around an activity the love.
Read MoreChildren use pre-made and created props as a backdrop to their imaginative play. Props add depth to the story they create. Props give children motivation to continue developing their characters and the adventure.
Read MoreAs children explore new materials socializing is a big part of the work itself. Communication and sharing of ideas enhances the experience for the group. The collaboration leads to further exploration, iteration, and social connection.
Read MoreWe continued the exploration of different gooey tactile materials with the children. For our next experiment we decided to try a classic recipe and make salt dough. What did we learn together from this experience?
Read MoreThe joy of life is savoring the moment. Being present for the moment is where the greatness of the work lies no matter what the end result is. Doing is what matters not the conversation we have in our head while the moment is before us.
Read MoreI invited the children to explore building on a large mirror. For this work we started with only two materials, plastic cubes and popsicle sticks. Building on a mirror offers a different perspective of the work. I wanted to observe how the children approached building on this surface.
Read MoreI decided to spend one week and watch the Magna-Tile building with intention. I wanted to see if I could find out what makes this material the most popular of all building materials. Here is what I observed.
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