In these readings about Sarah, there are many values that I see in her approach that I would like to be able to bring to the center that I am at. I am very much so a person that not only enjoys nature but also respects nature. I like that Sarah has a real conviction to get children experiencing the natural world and also to get them to start thinking of ways in which we could help nature. Another very important feature I see in Sarah is that she is an advocate for the children, in a sense that she is always taking the time to learn about the things children and families are interested in when she has little knowledge on the subject. She is also good at acquiring grants and free resources that are available to educational programs.
In our center we recently held a garden clean up day in order to prep our garden for the children to plant seeds. Children are always asking to go water there plants and look to see any progress that may have been made. We also recently took a trip to a stream where the kids where allowed to swim, explore and even catch fish. I do feel however more emphasis could be put on preservation and care for nature and the animals that live there. I feel that children would take on more of a responsibility for nature if they where taught to see nature as an equal and friend rather than as a resource that we use.
Aloha Johnathan,
ReplyDeleteSarah had many great approaches and being involved with the natural environment was important to her. What does it mean to you? Do you feel children should have a connection with it? Living in hawaii, do you notice children here tend to have a natural love for the outdoors?
Wow, a stream where children got to swim, I love that. Which stream was this and where? That must have been a great experience, I am not sure if the program I work at would let us go and do that, but it sounds fun and very interesting. Children learn about the land to take care of it and get to have a different experience in it.
mahalo for your post.
Kalama
Hi Maika,
ReplyDeleteThis idea of being an "advocate" and having "conviction" -- it can be quite powerful for a director to be focused around these elements. Are there certain ways in which convinction and advocate can be defined? Or is there something implied in the use of these terms? How might a director define his position, roles, and responsbilities as an advocate with convinction? Can convinction and advocacy become problematic if they are utilized with a narrow vision (like only in terms of standards, accrediation, and accountability)? Are there other values or a specific mission related to these terms? How might convinction and advocacy inform the power dynamic within an early childhood setting?
Cheers,
Jeanne
I really appreciated how she incorporated nature into the classroom. one thing that really stuck out in my mind was when she was teaching the children how to help nature. Many children may be raised with busy lives and not be given the opportunity to learn how to help nature, or how to improve the world we live in. they may not be given the opportunity to ride bikes or go to parks. How can we make a lasting impression on children when we teach them about nature?
ReplyDeleteRespecting nature is something that I often feel is forgotten when we teach children about nature. In order to have a full appreciation of nature you must also know how to respect it. I am glad that you mentioned that aspect and instill it into the children that you work with. I also find that more and more schools are introducing to children not only to be apart of nature but also ways for them to help nature which to children is a big deal.
ReplyDeleteHi Maika,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting perspective you mentioned at the end of your post, "I feel that children would take on more of a responsibility for nature if they were taught to see nature as an equal and friend rather than as a resource that we use." Do you feel that because people view nature as a resource they are less responsible when caring for it? How might you inform children and families of the harmful effects of not caring for nature? What role would you play as a director in modeling for children of how we can be a friend to nature? How would you involve parents and families to support caring for nature at home and in their daily lives?
Thank you for sharing,
Kaliko