Transition

For many of us around the world this academic year has been different. I am embracing those changes alongside new challenges as I embark on a journey alongside our youngest learners. I am moving into the Early Years!

There are parts of me that are bursting with excitement for a completely new challenge. To learn and to try to somewhat execute a philosophy based around play and student agency with those who find inquiry so natural inspires me to do better and be better. There is also fear. Fear that I will not know enough, that I will make mistakes and with that comes the understanding that this year will be full of challenges and opportunities for growth.

I look forward to documenting my journey. I know it hasn’t started the way that I had planned. I envisioned welcoming smiling faces into a classroom of wonder when in reality I have met 4 year olds online who think I am a stranger. They are curious about who I am and are excited for school but the relationship building process will be different and will be more challenging than what I expected.

I have been doing some research about building relationships online and came across a post which took me to an amazing website outlining the work of Fred Rogers. He talks about using ordinary experiences to connect with students, to create wonder and curiosity. This video clip is of my first post, as always there are things I might change or improve on but what I hopes comes across is honesty and respect for the child.

Learners responded to my video with questions and ideas about where the feather might have come from. They had ideas about what to do with it and so I have now begun a little routine. Good morning, look what i found….