This Summer: Nerdy Gains
Had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the ECE practices of 11 sites in Vancouver!!! The coursework got us to reflect on our experiences from 2 aspects - environment & programme. However, as it was Summer break, most of the sites were in the midst of transitioning to the next school term. Hence, most of my insights were from my humble observation and the conversations we had with the staff from various organizations. I saw a spectrum of practices - practices that resonated with me & practices I do not align with. Here I am, to document my thoughts about the resources & practices that resonated! (I'm adding my learnings from the site Myriam brought me to in Montreal here too!)
Inclusion & diversity
I love that many centres are really explicit and loud in how they acknowledge / express/ advocate for diversity (self-identity, abilities, interests). They also have materials that differentiate learning!
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Picture communication charts, visual cues, Hokki fidget stool, fidget toys, multisensorial suggestions, braille, wheelchair lifts, materials grouped by colors
Social-emotional learning
The materials at La Cabane go a few steps further to make self-regulation an interactive process that the children can succeed independently. Here are some materials that range from: affirming > identifying emotions > identifying causes > practising & scaffolding coping strategies independently :)
Outdoor education
Learning does not have to be limited to the indoors. In fact, there are so many opportunities in the outdoors!!!! The locals have so much respect and gratitude for their land and I find that very precious. Just look at these narratives! I want to bring my kiddos outdoors too, but there are a lot of limitations in SG :<
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Special Feature: Canada Goose
Canada Goose offered an extremely healing & wholesome environment, it reminded me of RIE and reggio😍 I didn't manage to take any photos / videos but here are some of the notes I took :)
Here are some references I found on the classroom prints (but I haven't been able to find the original texts yet)
> The context of listening, Rinaldi, 2012, Pg50
> Revisiting; Relationally reflecting on process, Forman & Fyfe as cited in Edwards et al 2012, p256
> Spatial pathology, Objects sounds pathways, Ana Vojnovic
> "We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are." Anaïs Nin
> The meaning of language in pedagogical practice through reflection and connection, Avraham Cohen & Heesoon Bai
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Other cool ideas across different centres:
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My key takeaways from a very insightful reading that advocates for quality classroom displays:
Consider the Walls/ Patricia Tarr/ YC Young Children; May 2004; 59, 3; ProQuest Education Journals/ pg. 88
Consider the Walls - Google Slides
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Ending thoughts
Gathering my observations from Canadian schools and field experiences from SG, I realized I am learning to make connections about classroom practices and pedagogies just by observing the environment >>> I have since become even more critical (and perhaps judgmental), so here is a mantra to remind myself to always remember to reserve judgment - "seek first to connect & understand".
Also, the trip underscored the value I see in RIE, Reggio, and inquiry-based approaches (Confirmation bias here :x but I'm proud). These are the areas I hope to gain more knowledge on, to practice in my future classroom!
Here are the assignments I submitted for the course: Autobiographical write-ups, reflections about the programmes & environment I've seen in Canada VS Singapore, and a self-assessment based on a list of qualities given. There are elaborations of my nerdy gains in there if you fancy :)