Taking a Leap: Values and Practices for Planning an Emergent Curriculum

Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 from 9 :00 AM to 12:30 PM

Venue: On-line

Presenter: Sarah Felstiner

Friday, October 23, 2020 | 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM:

Taking a Leap - Part I

Though we don’t usually think of “planning” something “emergent,” in fact it takes a great deal of intention to facilitate a curriculum that is flexibly generated from the children’s own questions and pursuits. This session will offer specific examples of structures and dispositions that support a dynamic, responsive, customized curriculum for young children. We’ll examine some of the practices in use at Hilltop Children’s Center in Seattle, and explore strategies for facilitating an emergent curriculum in participants’ own classrooms, schools and centres. In this session, we'll consider opportunities for aligning Emergent Curriculum with the key early learning principles of BC's Early Learning Framework, such as the Pedagogy of Listening, Reflective Practice / Critical Reflection, Collaborative Dialogue, and Pedagogical Narration.

Participants will have the opportunity to break into small groups and listen to and interact with educators at Hilltop Children's Center and gain insight into how these theories live in practice! This exciting event is designed to give you more than just conceptual information so that you can bring what you learn to your everyday environment.

Saturday, October 24, 2020 | 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM:

Taking A Leap - Part II

On day two, we'll build upon the principles covered the previous day and consider ways to invite and encourage families to become meaningfully engaged in our programs. We will look at possible models for partnering with families in curriculum planning, documentation, and assessment to help connect families to their children's learning throughout the year. As in Part I, we'll consider opportunities for aligning Emergent Curriculum with the key early learning principles of BC's Early Learning Framework, such as the Pedagogy of Listening, Reflective Practice / Critical Reflection, Collaborative Dialogue, and Pedagogical Narration.

As in Part 1, participants will have the opportunity to break into small groups and listen to and interact with educators at Hilltop Children's Center and gain insight into how these theories live in practice! Both days of this exciting event are designed to give you more than just conceptual information so that you can bring what you learn to your everyday environment.