Make it about the child, using learning stories Assessments can be time-consuming with unclear benefits. Or they can be life-affirming and precious for teachers, families and children. Many early educators around are not fond of documentation, defined here as assessments … Read More
Why Child Care is NOT a Substitute for Motherhood
Or How Does Early Education Get Some Respect?! In her recent article for the New York Times, Why the U.S. Has Long Resisted Universal Child Care, Claire Cain Miller discusses motherhood and professional child care as if they are equivalent. … Read More
Learning Stories as Authentic Assessment
The case for using stories to document a child’s learning journey Learning stories are documentation “for,” not documentation “of.” Dr. Annie White Traditional assessment is documentation “of” — reflections on a child in checkpoint format. By contrast, learning stories are … Read More
Is Food Play OK in Early Learning Services?
The Fight Over Food Play “Mei did not understand why the children were playing with rice. At home, her mom cooks rice for meals. She refused to play with these children because they were playing with rice. She knew that … Read More
Teaching as Inquiry in ECE – What, Why and How To
Benefits, Method and Tips – Jane Warnock Explains “Teaching as Inquiry ultimately benefits self and puts you in the forefront in ‘what you do’ that benefits the children. It should be part of your day, not an addition to what … Read More
‘Ambitious’ Draft 10-year Plan for New Zealand’s ECE
More Qualified Teachers and Tighter Ratios Ahead “We need a system where teachers and managers focus on delivering high quality service and partnerships with parents.” Peter Reynolds, CEO, Early Childhood Council (New Zealand) A draft strategy plan for the early … Read More
Why Free Play is an Essential Part of a Child’s Education
Making Time For Child-Led Play Every Day Early educators understand the idea that play is important child’s work. This is particularly true of “free play,” self-directed play when kids can make their own rules, act out imaginative fantasies, explore the … Read More
Our New Zealand ECE Study Tour Winner Reports Back!
Reflections & Takeaways After Seeing New Zealand Early Education Up Close Thank you so much Alick and Educa for an amazing opportunity and to Kelly for such a valuable and memorable learning journey. Educa’s New Zealand study tour drawing in … Read More
Creating Environments For Teacher Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Education
How to sharpen your inquiry-based practice through the lens of the environment “… we should aim for an environment that supports teacher growth so the classroom is a place of research where teachers ask questions and act as researchers. The … Read More
Respectful Practice in Early Childhood Education – Toni Christie
Respectful People, Places and Things Slow down and be fully present, educators! That’s one of the catch cries of early childhood expert, Toni Christie, from Childspace Early Childhood Institute, based in Wellington, New Zealand. She was presenting a recent ECE … Read More