An introduction to the 30 Day Challenge

Day One

This series is about how we can create experiences for children that inspire them to explore, investigate, transform and invent. This appeals to the interests of the children in our class by connecting experiences that can further their interests and deepen their learning.

A new post with new project (task) will be posted everyday Monday – Friday for 30 days.

Let’s begin this series by looking at what a typical preschool setting looks like.
In most preschool settings teachers plan curriculum based on themes, holidays, seasons, and of course all of that “cute” stuff we find on Pinterest. (I’m guilty as charged)  Let’s not forget the pressure that we all feel from administration and parents to have them ready for Kindergarten.   When we plan based on these criteria children's' interests and passions are of little importance to us.
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Now let’s take some time to look at another approach to learning that we all are hearing so much about, the Reggio Emilia Approach. ​

The image of the child is that children are capable of extraordinary things! They are viewed as competent and naturally curious. The Reggio teacher understands that each child enters their classroom full of knowledge of the world around them. They are full of potential, and are able to construct their own knowledge. They are active participants in their community of learners. (Gandini, 2010)

After listening to the 100 languages of the child it made me reflect on my teaching, and how I want to create an environment that children could feel the joy of learning in.

​We all have a set of standards that we need to meet and measure in the classroom. There are multiple ways that we can introduce these concepts to children, and there are multiple ways that the children can demonstrate an understanding of these standards.  This series is about incorporating a child centered approach to learning while still meeting the high demands of district curriculum, assessments, ECER's, CLASS and the list goes on and on. 

​As you go through this series you will learn to embrace learning spaces that appeal to the interest of children.  You will also learn how to connect standards to children's interest that can further their play and deepen their learning.  
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This brings me to our first task: 
Why do you want to transform your classroom into a space that inspires children to learn and build on their prior knowledge?

With any new project it is important to identify why you want to make changes to the way you inspire and teach children.

If you can get excited and say why you would like to make these changes to your classroom environment, you will be more likely to stick with it. 
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You will be more aware of the materials you chose and find more opportunities to use them through intentional and meaningful play.

We have lots of things planned over the next 30 days like…

• ​Improving the learning space
• Identifying children's interest
• Promote intentional play
• ​Connecting children with the natural world

Let’s do this!

Task One: Write down your reason why and your goal behind the change.
 

If you are new here, Start here.
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