Experts in well-being name connection and belonging as one of the best ways for humans to feel healthy and happy. The learning communities we belong to co-construct our learning and act as a catalyst for our continued growth.
Read MoreTalking to parents can be challenging for educators. Over the years, I developed a practice to create open lines of communication with parents. Asking questions opened doors into the world of children, inside and outside the hours in our program.
Read MoreResponsive teaching is our reaction to the happenings in the classroom. Educators work in an environment of investigation and collaboration. When to step in or out of the children’s work and play is the question we consider each day as an educator.
Read MoreAs the children build trust with each other in play this creates stronger bonds within the learning community. The lessons the children learn about people through play carry over into life.
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 MoreRecycled materials and an idea created a unique opportunity for the children and educators to explore who they are as individuals, and as members of a larger learning community.
Read MoreLooking at interdependence in school age programs there are some key practices that enhance the experience for children and educators and help foster a balance of independent action and interdependent thinking.
Read MoreEducators in preschool and school age care often utilize the word “friends” to describe a group of children. All persons in the learning community have the potential to be a friend. Children learn about friendship from a young age as they move away from parallel play and into more complex play.
Read MoreHolidays are a time of celebration and gathering with friends and family, it is also time to be thankful and reflect on our other family, 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 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 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 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 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 MoreAn act like drawing, that adults may see as a form of play or entertainment has a deeper meaning to children. Drawing and other activities children choose contain elements of both work and pleasure. Children’s work has a higher purpose and deeper meaning.
Read MoreThere is a fine line between guidance and discipline. A line that represents our beliefs about children and our beliefs about the learning community.
Read MoreA believer in education is someone who empowers children, gives gentle advice, is a good listener, and a person who lets the children know they have someone who sees only good in them and is there for them under any circumstance.
Read MoreAn important part of building a learning community is inviting all members to contribute to the growth and advancement of the community. Contribution encourages ownership and pride in the work being done and creates feelings of connection to continued success.
Read MoreEvery community that is thriving needs connectors. A person that bonds the other participants together and can populate multiple worlds to shape community. Connectors represent the human glue, the ties that bind people together.
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