By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. Constructivist theory in education suggests that learners are the makers of meaning. This theory is especially relevant in early learning. Meaning-making refers to the personal epistemology that learners create to help them make sense of influences, relationships and sources of knowledge in their world. Teachers create experiences for learners … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. A classic children’s book is one that has endured the test of time. These books have endearing qualities that make them interesting to children today and nostalgic for teachers and parents. Think back to your childhood. Is there a book that evokes that wistful feeling that makes you want … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. Recently I wrote a provoking post about provocations that has continued to stimulate thought on the role/image of the teacher. As provocateurs, teachers are in a position not to make learning “smooth or easy for children, but rather to stimulate it” by making it “more complex, involving and arousing” (Edwards, … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. My last blog A Provoking Post on Provocations garnered some great comments and Twitter conversations that have sparked deep thinking about the process of pedagogy and curriculum in the early years. When I began my career as an early childhood educator I was fascinated by planning and programming. I … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. I am not sure exactly when I first heard the term provocation as used to describe a “Reggio-inspired” experience for children. It might have been five or six years ago. I found the use of the word troubling and I continue to struggle with it. I have resisted using it … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. I am a member of countless early childhood education groups on Facebook. I learn so much from members from around the world. Recently, a photo appeared in one of these groups that depicted a plastic bin, decorated with coloured shapes and labelled “Show and Tell”. The text that went … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. One of the benefits of a long career in early learning is the opportunity to see how the profession evolves and responds to new thinking, ideas and concepts. A concept is an abstract idea. Conception is the act of conceiving a child or an idea! A misconception is the result … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. I have been curious about the role curiosity plays in teaching and learning for some time now. Curiosity can be defined as an intrinsic desire to learn. Curiosity is stimulated by something in the child’s environment that leads the child to have a desire to explore, discover, question, and … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. I love my chosen profession. The emotion is deep and embedded. While it was not my original intention to become an early childhood educator, I am so proud to be one now and I have never regretted the decision. Even though I have been an early childhood educator since … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. It was a year or two ago that I received a message from a Facebook friend asking me whether I had heard of “hygge”. Pronounced hue-guh hygge describes a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It originates from Denmark and is not specific to the … Continue reading
