In this episode Dawn Jones shares findings on a project closely working with children in gaining their reflections on spaces and places within shared worlds. In this first episode and article in the 3-part series, Dawn shares how the findings relate to sustainable development goals, and poses some of the following reflections and questions:
- Co-collaboration on learning can lead to so many more avenues around sustainability beyond the ‘3 R’s’.
- Children value quiet spaces and time to think…
- We have too much of a harsh approach of rushing our children…
- Are we brave enough to listen to children?
- Children can be far more engaged through an open and flexible approach
Read Dawn’s article:
What do children have to say about their environment? - thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/...
Listen to more:
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Education for social sustainability through sociodramatic play with Carmela Garcia Manas - thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/...
The therapeutic nature of the outdoors with Jenny Smillie - thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/...
Episode break down:
00:00 - Listening to the voices of Reception aged children
02:00 - Top level findings of the research
04:30 - Recognising and following the child’s knowledge
06:00 - Children’s understanding of complex issues around sustainability
08:20 - The same findings across different schools
10:00 - A less ‘hurried space’ was a recurring theme
12:00 - We make children do too much waiting
12:45 - Slow pedagogy and children as co-researchers
18:00 - Are we brave enough to step back and not intervene?
22:00 - Being an innovative and open-minded educator
23:00 - Harness children’s curiosity, awe and wonder and embed this into the curriculum
24:30 - Consider the language you use - is it helpful?
27:30 - Experiences vs activities
29:15 - Linking research to practice
32:30 - ‘Fanning the sparks of wonderful practice’
34:00 - Upcoming episodes - behaviour charts and methodological tools
35:00 - Summary of the episode
For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com