Description
Children are wired for learning–they are good at it, eager to do it, and driven to it. Yet, too often, they are not supported in leading their learning. Based on ideas from our book, Let Them Play, this session is about trusting kids as learners and creating environments where they are empowered and supported in leading their learning.
Outcomes / Goals
Attendees will:
- Understand why children should be supported in leading their own learning
- Leave with ideas for creating more trusting early learning environments
- Understand that curriculum should grow from the children’s interests and existing knowledge of the world
Competency Area
- Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
- Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
- Michigan | Teaching And Learning
- Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
- Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
- New York | Environment And Curriculum
- Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
- South Dakota | Learning Environments
- Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
- CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development
Clock Hours
Available in 60 and 90-minute formats
Agenda
This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session (affiliate links):
| Topic | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 05 minutes | Monologue |
| Why Let Them Lead? | 25 minutes | Discussion |
| Creating Trusting Learning Environments | 55 minutes | Discussion |
| Conclusion | 05 minutes | Monologue |
Related Resources
This session is based in part on content from my books:
- Let Them Play
- Let’s Play
- Let’s All Play
Content Level
Beginner / Beginner / Intermediate
Age Group Focus
- Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
- Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
- School Age (5 years to 12 years)
- Adults
Target Audience
- Family Child Care Providers
- Child Care Center Teachers
- Child Care Center Directors
- Head Start Teachers
- Head Start Administrators
- Early Head Start Teachers
- Service Coordination Staff
- Technical Assistance Specialists
- Home Visitors
- Parents