Curiosity and Care
These are the central values that guide my work with children and families. I believe that for teaching and learning to take place, individuals must feel embraced by caring relationships that allow them to explore and wonder. In turn, this curiosity leads them to grow their understanding of others and their environment, developing empathy for both people and place. In this way, curiosity and care are deeply connected.
Play
Children are active participants in the world around them. They think and feel and move! Play is the most natural and effective way for a child to learn; through play, children interact with and learn about their external environment. They develop a sense of self. They practice language and literacy skills, navigate the complex world of social interactions, learn scientific and mathematical concepts, hone fine and gross motor skills, and explore music, art, and other creative endeavors. Of course, all this learning is interconnected within the play experience!
Anti-Bias Education
I am guided by an anti-bias framework that outlines four core goals for children centered around their developing understanding of identity, diversity, justice, and activism. More in depth information about this work can be found on the NAEYC website and in the film, “Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years”.
Emergent Curriculum
My teaching practice is greatly inspired by the educational philosophy of the early learning centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where ideas for exploration, play, and projects come directly from observing what the children are curious about and the phenomena they encounter in their physical and social worlds. The teacher’s role is that of a researcher. Paying attention to children’s questions, discoveries, and ideas, teachers document the children’s experiences through photographs, videos, dialogue and the work they create. This documentation allows both children and teachers to challenge and extend the learning. This is how the curriculum becomes a collaborative process and one that emerges in response to the children’s play.
Nature
I believe every child has the right to extended time spent outside to foster their relationship with the natural world. Nature invites us all to slow down, to observe, to wonder, and experience the world through all our senses. There is beauty in nature and it is this aesthetic I aim to bring indoors through the environment and materials available for exploration. I have had the pleasure of being outside with children for entire school days throughout the seasons. While bitter cold and storms can bring us all indoors, I value the learning that takes place when we venture out into the elements!
Curiosity Cove 