Nadirchat

Although I don't welcome Winter as I would a long lost friend, I take comfort in the exceptional experiences that the children engage in during this season. A light dusting of snow in the playground, prompted these boys to make the first snowman of winter.

Provocation, coming from the verb to provoke, meaning to stir up, arouse or call forth feelings, desires, or activity; to incite or stimulate to action; to give rise to, induce, or bring about.  When we intentionally prepare invitations for children we should ask ourselves, what could possibly result from such enticements? It is here, in the children�s response to the provocations that we begin to gauge their thoughts, theories and understanding. It is here that we formulate questions and negotiate learning. An invitation to explore leaves becomes much more when it is presented in this context! I think of a provocation as a beautifully set dinner table. Consider how you feel when you walk into a dining room illuminated by soft candles, with a table dressed in fine china and a beautiful center piece. The same can be said for thoughtful provocations. We seek to lure the children to explore so we must be mindful, creative and fresh in our enticements. This requires teachers to be cons...

I became an Early Childhood educator at the age of 21, fueled with a deep love of children and respect for the educational process. When I became a mother I saw children through different eyes. I became more patient, kinder, and empathetic to the process parents undergo when they  let go. Every child is someone's precious.  As teachers we should always keep this thought close to our hearts. I am grateful for the wonderful journey of motherhood that I share with my three exceptional children. It is because of them that I have remained committed to excellence in my profession. They did not always have the kindest of teachers. Many left them with scars; perhaps feeling less than worthy. But there were a few exceptional teachers who nurtured their souls as well as their minds. They are the ones whom my children still remember with fondness. Here are my thoughts for today as I post not only as a teacher, but also as a mother.   My son Daniel and my niece Marlow My daughter Lia...