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Image of the child
Image of the Child was a project created in my Kindergarten Classroom pedagogy course at McGill. The intention of the project was to showcase how we as teachers view children. While children are many things, we were required to pick one. The image selected by my peers and I was 'Playful'.
Click the following link if you are interested in viewing the Image of the Child Photo Gallery.
LES Unit
During my time in this course, we were required to develop a unit plan as well as three lesson plans for kindergarten students.
If you are interested in viewing the unit plan, click the PDF to the left. If you are interested in viewing the Lesson plans, click the PDF to the right.
Marketplace
Marketplace was a group project that focused on creating centres around a specific topic. We had chosen to explore transportation. Therefore, we created five centres that would stimulate students while keeping the developmental domains in mind.
Click the following link if you are interested in viewing the Marketplace Photo Gallery.
Resources
If you are interested in viewing the marketplace handout with the centre descriptions click the PDF.
LEGO STEM- Resource 1:
The following link provides LEGO STEM activities which permit students to develop various skills through hands-on practice and learning. Students engage in learning related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This is a great resource as it challenges students to design and create while progressing within the development domains. The website not only offers LEGO STEM activities, but rather it provides diverse STEM activities for all learners.
SQUISHY CIRCUIT- Resource 2:
The following link will redirect you to the Squishy Circuits page where it provides educators with the information as to how to incorporate the teaching of electrical circuits in the classroom. Squishy Circuits include two forms of play-dough; one that permits current flow while the other isolates specific areas of the circuit. This is a great educational resource as it allows students to make hands-on creations while acquiring new knowledge. Squishy Circuits enable students of all ages to learn successfully through play and self-discovery. An additional link has been provided here in order to further explain the benefits of electronics education.
QUESTION CARDS- Resource 3:
This link provides a word document with question cards that educators can use when incorporating makerspaces in the classroom. This is an effective resource as it provides teachers with multiple questions that can help direct the conversation when exploring a students work within the makerspace. As well, the document provided prompts to facilitate the discussion when a teacher is faced with non-verbal communication or a reluctant/shy speaker.
DEVELOPMENT DOMAINS- Resource 4:
This link will direct you to a PDF file discussing the developmental domains seen within child growth. The document recognizes the importance of the following skills: Physical/motor, Language/Communication, Cognitive/Intellectual, Social/Emotional, and Creative/Aesthetic. As educators, it is vital that we provide students with the opportunity to exert these abilities in order for them to flourish.
OUTDOOR AND NATURE PLAY- Resource 5:
The following Link addresses the significance of outdoor and nature play within early childhood education. I feel as though teachers often forget the importance of play both indoors and outdoors as a result of trying to follow the standardized curriculum. However, incorporating all forms of play including outdoor and in nature, it can positively influence a child's learning experience. This resource can inform educators about the reasons as to how and why we should incorporate outdoor and nature play within the curriculum.
Environment as the third Teacher- Resource 6:
This link discusses the importance of using the environment as the third teacher. As stated by Loris Malaguzzi "The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences." With that being said, it is crucial that we utilize the space we are in and the tools at our disposal to maximize our students learning. In order to ensure that the environment acts as the third teacher, it is vital to make sure that the following principles are addressed: aesthetics, active learning, collaboration, transparency, "bringing the outdoors in," flexibility, relationship, and reciprocity. This is a great resource as it allows educators to learn that by intertwining these principles, students will experience a significant amount of growth within with environment.
Markerspaces- Resource 7:
The following link examines makerspaces and how educators can appropriately incorporate them within their classrooms. This resource is beneficial for teachers as it informs them as to how to create suitable challenges that will work for their students. Makerspaces should be found within the classroom as they permit students to explore, create and play with a purpose; allowing them to obtain new knowledge and skills.
Play in the classroom- Resource 8:
Play is a vital component for child development. Therefore, I have included the following link as it is a great resource for teachers. This resource addresses the importance of play and the effects it has on children. From the viewpoint of an experienced kindergarten teacher, this article provides information as to how ones perspective of play can shift, once it has been appropriately incorporated into daily activities. Giving children time to play will permit them to learn, thrive and succeed with endless possibilities.
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