Trusting Kids As Learners

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
• 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 these sources (affiliate links):

• Let Them Play
• Let’s Play
• Let’s All Play

Content Level

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