Wow, this is the first time in my blogging history that I let so much time pass between the last post. This fact creates stress because so many meaningful, powerful and surprising things have occurred since my last post.
Where do I start?
Chronological? Thematic? Most recent?
I just went to hear Kathleen Kushman, author of Fires In The Mind speak about adolescents and motivation & mastery. It occurred to me, that the same issues are relevant in Early Childhood. I would even go so far in saying that motivation and mastery in learning are born of and sustained by provocation.
Provocations. This concept embedded in Reggio inspired environments is one of my favorite values. Instead of handing children knowledge and asking them to regurgitate it, Reggio Inspired teachers plan, create questions, consider the environment, materials, groupings, trips, experiences and guests for “how will this provoke learning?” And then “What do we see and hear that informs further exploration and learning”?
I have decided I will simply post some snapshots of provocations that were both planned and unplanned over the past 6 weeks. The stories will follow (soon!) See if you can see and even hear these learning experiences through the images:
(Editing an idea into a symbol for a quilt square.)
Creating fixative for natural dye and natural dye collection contributions (as brainstormed by the kids.)
Laila is tracing her symbol. The tracing paper was cut to create a dressmakers pattern. The pattern was pinned to the child selected recycled textiles and cut. The symbol was pinned to the naturally dyed fabric and put in a hoop, and all the Kindergarten children are slowly sewing.
P.S. The above project was provoked when I applied and received a Partner ship with the Textile Museum with the two Kindergarten classes which revolves around the ideas of recycled textiles and going green. All the pre-k’s are provoked by the textile frenzy and will also be sewing soon.
P.P.S. Wishing everyone a lovely Spring!
The colors are beautiful. It looks like the children really enjoyed making the color pieces. Thank you for all the creativity. Each time Christina sees a brightly colored fruit or vegetable she comments about what great colors could come from it.
Great partnership!
I am so moved by seeing these children so engaged. The pictures where they are bent over or contorted in some way to see something are especially compelling. Or when a you spy in the corner of a picture a child open-mouthed, observing and puzzling.
I had no doubt that your mental and photographic files were accumulating even if there was no blog entry – this entry proves me right! Such extraordinary learning at your school. I look forward to seeing your reflections about these provocations! I really love the textile photos, the process of the children creating natural dyes. Can’t wait to read more!
I’ve been pondering how to introduce sewing to my pre-K’s. Thank you for so many learning and teaching provocations!
Beautiful photos, Marla. All of that drilling and construction has also been going on in the Sabot studio and looks really familiar. I wish we lived nearer, so I could come over and talk with you in person from time to time!