Creating an Environment

This last Friday morning I was in my classroom when I looked up and saw this image in our writing center. I witnessed four children working alongside each other, quietly sharing their work and ideas on a common writing assignment about a little girl whose kite took her away with the wind. Small moments like these fill my heart with pride as I see children interested in the process of learning in a shared environment.

Many educational psychologist reference the importance of relationships, communications, and interactions between children as they construct their understandings. The children in this picture have spent time this year learning to trust each other, and communicate effectively about their work. An environment rich with shared spaces and time to interact provides children with a different piece of an educational puzzle.

• How does this environment change children's work?
• What other steps can be taken to give children the space they need to formulate strong concepts with their peers?

A Walk Towards Knowledge

I am taking the title of our first blog from a gentleman in Reggio Emilia named Sergio Spaggiari. He described working with children as a "walk towards knowledge". This "walk" is a metaphor for the exploration of day to day experiences coupled with reflection and research about our work alongside children. I plan to use this blog as a tool for myself to communicate with parents and peers about the inner workings of our classroom. Since I feel that all true learning cannot exist inside of a vacuum, I open the floor to all comments from children and adults alike who would care to help shape the "path" that our walk will follow.