https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5 Anti-Oppressive Practices in Early Childhood Spaces en-us 2023-05-05 14:15:29 UTC 2023-05-06 05:04:48 UTC hello@padlet.com avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2579639170 The above video explains the meaning of discursive practices and highlights the major examples present in society. The construct of marriage and how mental health is and has been approached in the past are some examples of these structures. In school, students are told "You're fine" when they cry or "Boys don't play with dolls" etc due to the stigma surrounding gender norms. This inhibits students' emotional development and encourages them to sideline their emotions and interests to fit in with the expectations set by society over time. My interactions at the CYC showed me how teachers can overcome these discursive structures in the classroom. Some moments that stood out to me were; when students cried they were not ignored or told "they were ok". They were given space to feel their emotion, they were also provided with compassion and comfort. The teacher understood every person experiences emotions and that the only way to help students regulate these emotions is by supporting them and being transparent with them. ]]> 2023-05-05 14:38:55 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2579639170 avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2579751358 The following handout gives caregivers tips and reminders on how to treat children and interact with them to aid their social-emotional growth. These strategies allow children to construct and express their own beliefs rather than having to abide by the behaviors they are expected to follow. During my time at the CYC, I was able to witness how the teachers interacted and talked to the students. They were respectful and gave students time and space to be themselves and lead their own activities. The classroom had a practice mannequin head for the students to work with pretend hair and makeup. This encouraged every students no matter a girl or boy to engage in the activity if they deired.            ]]> 2023-05-05 16:17:00 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2579751358 avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580095909 "New materialism situates meaning and matter as inextricably bound, recognizing a direct engagement between people and the world."

The article goes into depth on the importance of materials in the classroom. Although, it is important to have a strong instructional figure in the classroom that can guide students to efficiently learn and process information. It is important to have materials that spark interest in students and invite them to play and initiate inquiry. New materialism can also introduce new concepts that students might not be able to experience otherwise or may not be encouraged to do. The new materialism can also help connect students to real-world experiences. The CYC showed me how new materials can encourage creativity. The class had parents come in to teach their interests to the children. They built a cello with a chair and other instruments with cups, rubber bands, and, tape. They also used a broken keyboard and stereo as props to mix music. This showcased how new materials can be made with materials already present in the class but will peak different interests in students. ]]> 2023-05-06 02:30:36 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580095909 avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580122469 Ecological practices are important for students to learn about their environment as well as understand their responsibility to care for their planet. This happens when students are aware of how their actions and everyday activities affect the environment. The classroom at the CYC investigated the harmful effects of oil spills on the planet and wildlife. They researched penguins that were affected and how money was raised for them. The class also explored how the construction of railroads through various habitats negatively impact the environment. ]]> 2023-05-06 04:01:38 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580122469 avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580128336 Anti-oppressive play practices motivate students to explore different activities and interests. This can include girls learning martial arts or boys doing gymnastics. Practices like these encourage students to push their comfort zones but also to gain new funds of knowledge. The CYC practices these strategies by encouraging every student to engage in activities that piqued their interest. I noticed boys get intrigued by girls making "sand angels" in the playground and then joining them. It is important for students to feel safe and accepted in their learning environment to truly engage in the lessons that support self-discovery.    ]]> 2023-05-06 04:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580128336 avanikawathkar https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580134928 It is important for caregivers to let students lead their learning process. Environment plays a crucial role in students' learning processes and making them meaningful. The school in the article, inspired by a Reggio Emilia school adopted an emergent curriculum where the students lead the topic of discussion. This means they get to decide what they learn about which will keep them engaged, and they can grasp more information. The CYC has also adopted an emergent curriculum. The students started learning about oil spills which led to the discussion about animal extinction, this led to the topic of railroads and then to the topic of construction and different modes of transportation. These schooling strategies keeps the students interest while also giving them a well rounded learning experience. ]]> 2023-05-06 04:59:06 UTC https://padlet.com/avanikawathkar/br1n6f704o2v6pk5/wish/2580134928