tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post4020476925617415586..comments2024-03-27T10:42:06.379-05:00Comments on SAND AND WATER TABLES: ConnectionsTom Bedardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-13585937699772738122017-10-10T09:37:28.630-05:002017-10-10T09:37:28.630-05:00In a way, all children are nonconformists. Teache...In a way, all children are nonconformists. Teachers who try to get children conform to how typical children behave conform to the dominant discourse in education and thus try to tame them. I do not see you trying to tame the children, but to embrace their nonconformist nature so they each find a place in the group in their own constructive way. Oh, I forgot about the squirrel. That was a perfect example of using the unexpected to engage the children instead of seeing the squirrel as a distraction. If it makes you feel any better, I like to think of myself as a bit of a nonconformist. Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-2929703331057399172017-10-09T20:21:38.872-05:002017-10-09T20:21:38.872-05:00A nonconformist Tom? Me? I’ll have to think about ...A nonconformist Tom? Me? I’ll have to think about that...not sure how well I conform to that characterization! I think it is hard to argue against spending time outside though, so very very much is happening with the children...solving problems, neighbourhood around us, trying to corner squirrels that pass through our yard (with some success!)....I do indeed have a grand job.Invisible Atelieristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11726416920158040750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-6386972549853789712017-10-08T12:16:07.337-05:002017-10-08T12:16:07.337-05:00Thanks Miriam. You understood right. Most of the...Thanks Miriam. You understood right. Most of the two hours I spent in the kindergarten classroom was outside. These were only two small episodes of so much more that happened in the two hours in the kindergarten. This Guelph colleague tries to spend as much time outside as possible. He is a bit of a nonconformist but he understands them and, even more importantly, respects them. Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-50013706535425409812017-10-08T12:10:26.956-05:002017-10-08T12:10:26.956-05:00That is a really good quote from Hawkins. I also ...That is a really good quote from Hawkins. I also like your characterization of the class: "this dynamic world." I have a few more reflections that I have been digesting. In the span of two hours, so much happens in a kindergarten classroom a teacher must ride the waves instead of fight against them. Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-15501307792694034202017-10-08T10:22:49.855-05:002017-10-08T10:22:49.855-05:00I really enjoyed reading this!
Less is more! No ne...I really enjoyed reading this!<br />Less is more! No need to spend a lot of money for fancy expensive games. These natural items are what children love best.<br />Did I understand it right? The children just go in for the snack and are outdoors most of the time?<br />Boy am I jealous!!<br />In my country there are very few early childhood educators who understand the importance of free outdoor play and are sure that children must be taught academic skills " in order to succeed in the grownup world.<br />I am an educational councelor in childcare centers ages 3 mo. To 3 years and this is what I talk about all the time.<br />Thank you for ALL your beautiful posts<br />Miriam from IsraelMiriamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13284664522821267798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-71779905806367097382017-10-08T06:52:07.691-05:002017-10-08T06:52:07.691-05:00Thanks for taking the time to visit, and then refl...Thanks for taking the time to visit, and then reflect Tom. It was helpful to have another set of sympathetic eyes and ears visit, and being able to share your post helps give others a window into this dynamic world. <br /><br />"Not to recognize individuality is not to educate." <br />-David HawkinsInvisible Atelieristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11726416920158040750noreply@blogger.com