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How has Playwork changed your way of thinking?

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How has Playwork changed your way of thinking?

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I think playwork changed my way of thinking is encouraging open-ended play, where children are given the freedom to explore and create with a variety of materials. Playwork is an excellent method to motivate educators to think outside the box and complexify practices.

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What aspects of Playwork do you want to embed in your pedagogical practice? 

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What aspects of Playwork do you want to embed in your pedagogical practice? 

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Playwork encourages children to make choices and decisions about their play and learning. In pedagogical practices, I can offer opportunities for children to select topics, projects, or activities that align with their interests, fostering a sense of ownership over their education.

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Because I Believe in the Image of the Child as an individual with distinct needs, interests, and learning styles. Educators who embrace complexity are more likely to tailor their teaching to each child's unique characteristics. In class, we discuss  What is meant by Complexity?'When we complicate our ways of knowing and doing with children, we move beyond one "best" way of responding and open up to many possibilities, this we refer to a shift from understanding practice (singular) to complexifying practices (plural)'(Pacini-Ketchabaw et al., 2015)The quote suggests that by embracing complexity, I acknowledge that there are multiple possibilities and ways of understanding and responding to situations involving children. It encourages me to move beyond rigid, prescriptive approaches and instead explore a range of practices that can be tailored to fit the complexity of each unique situation.

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How will you go about making sure this is a part of your everyday teaching practice?

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How will you go about making sure this is a part of your everyday teaching practice?

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After studying this unit, In my everyday teaching practice, I will offer a variety of activities and materials that cater to different learning styles and abilities. For example loose part play and risky play. Allow children to make choices about which tasks they want to engage with, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning.

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How can Playwork be used as a tool for pedagogical documentation?

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How can Playwork be used as a tool for pedagogical documentation?

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Incorporating Playwork into pedagogical documentation practices can provide a more comprehensive and child-centered approach to understanding and supporting children's learning and development. It emphasizes the value of play as a central learning experience and highlights the role of educators in facilitating and documenting these experiences.

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Why is pedagogical narration important? What is it's purpose?

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Why is pedagogical narration important? What is it's purpose?

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'Many of the traditional observational practices in early childhood education tend to focus on documenting matters of fact. "(Blaise et al., 2016)Pedagogical narration is an important tool in early childhood education and other educational settings. Its primary purpose is to enhance understanding, communication, and reflection on children's learning and development.

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How can you consider disrupting the dominant discourses?

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How can you consider disrupting the dominant discourses?

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Pedagogical narrations ‘…. opened up routes in our practice and reflective dialogues that counter and confront normalized ways of thinking and acting, leading us always to ask more questions instead of seeking final truths or answers.’ (Pacini-Ketchabaw et al., 2015)
I think disrupting dominant discourses is not a one-size-fits-all process, and different contexts may require different approaches. It's essential to collaborate with others who share your goals and adapt your strategies to the specific issues you are addressing.

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What is important to take into consideration when thinking about developmental perspectives?

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What is important to take into consideration when thinking about developmental perspectives?

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Piaget's theory focuses on cognitive development and how children actively construct their understanding of the world. This theory offers frameworks for understanding different aspects of development. (Main, 2011) I recognize that each person is unique, and their developmental trajectory may differ from others. Factors such as genetics, temperament, and personality play a significant role in shaping development. My image of a teacher is to support children intellectual, emotional, and social growth. They nurture students' development, helping them build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.

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Using a different perspective, how can this disrupt what we think we know?

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Using a different perspective, how can this disrupt what we think we know?

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Disrupting what we think we know often involves challenging our preconceived notions, biases, and assumptions by adopting a different perspective. Cultural Relativism: Embracing cultural relativism can disrupt ethnocentrism and broaden our understanding of other cultures. By seeing cultural practices and beliefs from the perspective of those within that culture, we can challenge our own cultural biases and assumptions.

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Write about your experience of Playwork.

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Write about your experience of Playwork.

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"During our playwork session, I decided to introduce a new element of creativity and adventure for the children. I provided them with scissors to cut ropes and repurposed old tires into swings.
The children embraced the opportunity to use scissors, and it was a chance for them to learn about tool safety and responsibility. We took the time to demonstrate and explain the proper use of scissors and closely supervised their activities. This allowed them to develop fine motor skills and a sense of independence.

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My main idea is to discuss risky play. When introducing potentially risky elements, like scissors, it's crucial to teach children about responsible tool use and safety guidelines. Close supervision and guidance are essential to ensure they understand and follow safety protocols. Playwork should adapt to the interests and abilities of the children involved. Flexibility in the play environment can lead to surprising but enriching experiences for both the children and the educator.

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How will you start to implement these ideas into your future teaching practice?

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How will you start to implement these ideas into your future teaching practice?

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Risky play is important for children because it offers numerous physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. While it might seem counterintuitive to encourage activities that involve an element of risk, it's essential to understand that risky play doesn't mean putting children in dangerous situations without supervision. Walsh (2023) According to James J. Gibson (1979), environments and objects within them have values and meanings that are unique to the person perceiving them. Instead, it involves providing controlled opportunities for children to engage in activities where they can challenge themselves and learn valuable life skills. I have planned some activities for my children in the toddler room. Such as cutting magazines with scissors. But before we start playing. I also introduced risky play to parents.

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How do you see Playwork disrupting the dominant discourse?

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How do you see Playwork disrupting the dominant discourse?

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Redefining Risk: Playwork encourages a balanced approach to risk, challenging the overly cautious attitude that often prevails in contemporary society. It recognizes that risk is an inherent part of play and learning and aims to create environments where children can take controlled risks to develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

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Blaise, M., Hamm, C., & Iorio, J. M. (2016). Modest witness(ing) and lively stories: paying attention to matters of concern in early childhood.

Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 25(1), 31–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2016.1208265

Daily Montessori. (2014). Maria Montessori Theory | Montessori Education Principles | Daily Montessori. Montessori Education 0 - 3. https://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-theory/

Explorations Early Learning, (August,2020). Ellen Sandefer’s 6 Categories of Risky Play. https://playvolutionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Ellen-Sandseters-6-Categories-Of-Risky-Play.pdf

Main, P. (2011). Jean Piagets theory of Cognitive Development. Www.structural-Learning.com. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/jean-piagets-theory-of-cognitive-development-and-active-classrooms#:~:text=The%20Theory%20of%20Cognitive%20Development

Pacini-Ketchabaw, V., Nxumalo, F., Kocher, L., Elliot, E., & Sanchez, A. (2015). Journeys : reconceptualizing early childhood practices through pedagogical narrations. University Of Toronto Press.

Walsh. Judd, (2023). Playwork Training. Engaging with Place Through Play – Industry. Victoria University.

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Maria Montessori said: "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”(Pacini-Ketchabaw et al., 2015) reflects a fundamental principle of the Montessori educational approach. This principle is rooted in Montessori's belief in fostering independence and self-confidence in children.  It encourages us as educators and parents to have confidence in our children's abilities and to provide the freedom and resources necessary for them to succeed on their own terms. This theory also reminds me of the role of the teacher.