Innovative and inspiring approahes for fostering learning during early childhood

Innovative and Inspiring Approaches for Fostering Learning during Early Childhood

Mrs. J

 

Europe has been a rich source of many influential educational ideas.  In elementary and early childhood education, three of the best-known approaches with European origins are Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia.  All three are seen as strong educational alternatives to traditional education and as sources of inspiration for progressive educational reform.  Contemporary interest in these approaches leads the public and the professional community to ask many questions about their parallels and contrasts.  Many observers have noticed common themes and elements in their views of children and their development (Edwards, 2002).

 

     As an early childhood educator, one of my favorite parts of the school day is to see young learners engage in various activities during center time.  Young children simply motivate themselves at the easel, where they become mastery artist; builders; creating highways, buildings, and other interesting architect; fire fighter, mail clerk, doctor, chef, nurse, store owner, and even a teacher.  Children engaging in the sandbox enjoy creating sandcastles and play-dough; strengthening fine-motor skills.  Children learn significantly from their peers during center time. 

 

Play-dough supports children’s growth and learning in many domains.  Young children learn best through manipulation of materials in which they can see the effects they have on the world around them.  Many of these experiences come through play.  Children cooperate with peers, communicate their ideas through spoken language, express themselves through creativity and dramatic play, learn about the effects they can have on their environment (Young Children, 2005).

 

Discussion/ Question

 

1. How can we promote young children’s learning and development outside of the classroom?
2. One thought: A community walk through that relates to center time.  Children will visit the local stores, firehouse, post office, restaurant/ chef, Doctor’s office w/ a nurse, and the roads where they get to see public transportation. 

Cultural Identity on Child Development

Mrs. Jay

Spirituality in Young Children’s Temperament and Self-Control

Cultural Identity on Child Development

• Nature and Spirituality linked
• Life linked with nature
• Person develops in the context of belonging to a ‘place

 

It is reported that family placement in the UK is typically the archetypal separation of a person from their physical environment.  Yet the interaction of the person with place- both past and present has argued to be crucial for identity formation”. (Sharley, 2012, p.1) It is reported that research has derived from Maori social work literature that which is required in the exploration of the link between the individual’s identity with place and that this has been accomplished through “an application of the concept of spirituality within western social work practice models”. (Sharley, 2012, p. 1) the Maori perspective is such that holds that a deep spiritual connection exists with the physical environment in which the individual lives thereby creating a sense of belonging and attachment to that place.  Maori cultural identities are reported to be connected in a direct manner to the physical location that has been shared by many generations in terms of their history and lifestyle and coexistence, stewardship, cooperation and harmony with the natural world.