Competition and Collaboration
/Our 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 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 shared kindness with 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 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. The process of exploring questions is done in collaboration. The process of discovery and creation then becomes a place for social interaction and learning about each other.
Read MoreWhile acquiring a new skill some children verbalize their challenges. The children often verbalize thinking we will tell them how to overcome an obstacle. Our role as an educator is to scaffold and work alongside the children. We need to support their investigation and their struggle without fixing the problem.
Read MoreCommunication is an important part of the creation and continuation of play. The children give feedback to each other and this is the roadmap to where play or the creative process is going.
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 MoreIn programs with free choice collaboration blooms. Collaboration begins with discussions among children as they work. Communication feeds action as children share ideas and begin to work together.
Read MoreMaking connection and learning about each other are wonderful benefits of children choosing their own work. Child led collaborations create a deeper connection and understanding about one another.
Read MoreOften 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 More