Emergent curriculum is a philosophy of teaching and learning that focuses on planning curriculum in response to the interests, ideas and thoughts of the children themselves. The following series of posts, Understanding Emergent Curriculum, explores the important components of an Emergent Curriculum approach with helpful reflections of teaching practices and learning theories. Click on the […]
More Than Pretty: Creative Arts as a Language of Learning
Children’s artwork can be truly beautiful. Visually captivating. But more than being pretty, or even interesting, it can tell a story. A story of learning and knowledge and personal thoughts and ideas. Look intently as they create and you will see the child’s story unfold. I was recently asked what led to my passion for […]
A Recipe for Learning: The Printable Version
Back in February I posted a photographic ‘recipe’ for early learning as a reminder of the many important considerations essential to the learning of young children. I have had quite a few readers contact me asking about a printable version and so here it is. Enjoy and feel free to share 🙂 To download and […]
Encouraging Children to Share the Story of Their Own Learning
An ant colony with queen ant and eggs constructed from blocks and playdough by four and five year olds. Young children learn best through active, hands on, social experiences. And they don’t need photocopied worksheets to share what they are learning. Providing open ended materials and resources allows each child to share the story of […]
A Recipe for Learning
In a large mixing bowl combine… A whole cup of CURIOSITY (I am a child, I am naturally curious) A dash or three of RELEVANCE (I learn best when what I am learning is meaningful to my own experiences in the physical world) A pint of INTEREST (I am most motivated to learn when I […]
Revisiting the Hundred Languages of Children
I first posted The 100 Languages of Children poem as part of my emergent curriculum series in August 2009. In the context of early education, I believe it is a powerful poem. I was recently reminded of it’s awesomeness via this visual representation, The Hundred Languages Illuminated Poem by Sarah McRoberts. Alternatively, you can read […]
Responding to Children’s Spontaneous Experimentation
Recently we headed outdoors to do some gardening and while we were outdoors Immy discovered that her plastic paddling pool had partially filled with rainwater. I was working close by (pulling weeds, urgh!) when she called to me, excitedly telling me how the pebbles she was throwing into the water were all sinking. Taking advantage […]
Early Learning: Following a Child’s Lead
Immy wanted to make a city (like ‘Daddy’s city’ – where Dad 101 works) with a bridge. Will involve lots of active listening. Listen to their vision, their requests, their questions and their theories, The city needed buildings and elevators and a park with trees. And the city was good. Quite a bit of questioning […]
Elements for Creating Play Scenes & Invitations to Play
One way to immerse a child in exploring an interest is to create an interesting play scene as an invitation to play, perfect for playful learning. I have posted before about how and why invitations to play work and you can read more in these posts; What Happens When You Follow A Child’s Interest? Emergent […]
Everyday Learning at Home
If you watch and listen carefully you will find lots of spontaneous opportunities for everyday learning all around your home. Like rainbows in the vegetable patch. Or delicious fresh corn that you grew yourself. Not to mention the plethora of creatures who reside there with you. And these everyday learning opportunities lead to lots of […]
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