A Story about Chess
/This 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 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 shapes the work in the classroom. What are the elements that make the gathering an experience that builds community?
Read MoreAre all children’s projects detailed and documented investigations? This is a story about another type of work. Important work that nurtures the learning community.
Read MoreI was 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 MoreIt is time for educators to look at our practice. We can provide children more time to explore the possibilities of learning. The current model of education is changing. The move toward a new educational model has begun.
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 we need to have a calling? In search of clearer understanding I discovered one idea that made the most sense.
Read MoreThe learning community grows when one group of children create something that captures the imagination of other children. New ideas bring children together. Children enjoy working together to adapt and create a new version of an 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 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.
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