Research and Professional Learning

As a new direction is called upon for educators in our context of Ontario’s early learning services, my understanding is influenced by our provincial pedagogy How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.

“Communication also happens through creative expression. When children manipulate materials, explore music and movement, create symbols (e.g., mark-making), and engage in imaginative expression (e.g., visual art) and dramatic play, they are communicating. Creating and designing fuse together the cognitive, emotional, and physical domains – thinking, feeling, and doing. Encouraging the creative expression of ideas, feelings, and interpretations using a variety of materials also helps solidify children’s learning, enhances their creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and strengthens their memory and sense of identity.” pgs 77-78

Through my study and research, I am impacted and influenced by the educational project in Reggio Emilia. And so,  I endeavor to learn more about these ideas, from those who are more knowledgeable.  They loan me their knowledge and experience until I can consolidate with my own projects and research. I am looking ahead to the trip I will be privileged to be a part of in March 2018, with the Ontario Reggio Association and the Canadian Study Tour. Here are some courses that I have participated in and continue to learn more about…

Graphic Materials for Multiple Modes of Representation of Learning, Emergent Curriculum Certificate, Ontario Reggio Association taught by Kerri Embrey, Atelerista and Teacher, Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, ON Fall 2016

Children and teachers’ creativity and inquiry flourish when engaged with many different kinds of real-world materials.

This course considered how various materials can be languages of expression of thought, feeling, and values in children and how they help children develop abstract reasoning, creativity and deeper understanding. We considered the value of these experiences in themselves for learning.

We considered strategies for introducing graphic materials with young children in ways that cultivate careful use, for example beginning with a restricted palette and increasing complexity gradually. We considered moving across and within disciplines that include science, artistic processes, mathematics, and the social world in organic, holistic ways appropriate for young children.

Creative Mixed Media, Creative Arts Certificate, Algonquin College Fall 2016

Colour Theory, Creative Arts Certificate, Algonquin College Winter 2017

What I am learning…

“Students explore alternative means to employ familiar mediums, such as acrylic paint, watercolour, ink, charcoal, pencil, coloured pencil and pastel. Students learn more about the properties of each material and how they interact with each other. Each exercise is intended to illustrate the principles of composition and to explain the many techniques available. Students are introduced to a number of historical and contemporary artists whose works attest to the varied and stunning results in the realm of mixed media.”

Professional Learning with those who have incredible experiences to offer…

Ann Pelo: The Language of Art April 2017

The Hundred Languages with Joanne Babalis January 2017

Bags of Wonder with Rosalba Bortolotti May 2017

These people are so interesting with their ideas, I am always thinking of how to use creative processes in our environments. These people help me to do this.

Further Research

I am currently studying more closely the creative and artistic processes of children and the interactions of educators, space, time and materials and how these combine to impact practice.