Beginnings
– How I view my practice at the start of my current training –
This practitioner has not chosen to share this information at this time.
I enjoy the connection between home and centre, the sharing and meshing of knowledge that supports children's learning, through understanding family aspirations for their child. Being a part of planning for learning based on children's interests and being able to understand and support these through the relationships with family.
I am a certificated early childhood teacher, centre manager and owner.
In many instances this occurs, but when it is most child-centred, in the slow moments of wonder. When a child is asking or sharing something with me, and there is a deep connection and sense of wonderment. When children get that 'look' of being totally engrossed in what they are doing as I have provided the time, space, safety and resources for play.
We try to provide an enviroment that is familiar, we are fortunate that we are a rural centre with all our children living within our area. Children have the freedom to choose the areas of play, and play is planned based on children's interests.
Our space is mostly open and children have the freedom to move where they wish. We have a regular routine for our day that revolves around morning tea, lunch and the end of the day. Children are invited to join but it is at their pace, however eating has to be at a supervied table. They have access to and knowledge of resouces we have, and part of each day is leaving space for children to choose what they would like. this builds on the knowledge we have of childrens interests as we learn alongside families.
Oh wow! so much. Froebelain principles are woven all through our curriculum, the more I learn the more i see these I know that many teachers and researchers in New Zealand have contributed significantly to this. the principles resonate so much with me, being at the stage the child is at, child agency, uniquiness of the child, nature, childhood in their own right.
This is an continuing area of learning for me. A collaborative understanding of inclusive practice is something we are developing in our centre. Being where the child is at, their uniqueness and working with families has supported this, as has support we have from professional development.
Having participated in The Froebel UK Trust short course, I have started my frobealian journey, and while I can support my own learning, my next step is to support the learning of others, within our centre and with others. So far sharing Frobealian principles within our team is a bit piece meal.
I think I am a good leader, my next step to to implement and embed the above and to uncover what the Froebelian Spirit is. The vision I hold for our centre is to the best we can be. To be a centre of excellence. I really believe we will continue to evolve in our thinking and practice as I lead through a Frobealian lens.