The Importance of Pedagogical Listening

A new year brings forth new possibilities...

      `It makes sense that our classroom environment is different this year as we have 14 new junior kindergarten students joining us.  We have to be cognizant of their interests, abilities, desires and wonderings.  We started off our year with just the "bare bones":  furniture strategically placed with a few intentionally chosen learning trays and materials.  As the school year progressed, we added to our centers to build upon the children's inquiries and learning styles.  For example, our dramatic play center has really evolved this year, mirroring a real kitchen with a real kitchen table, plates and utensils. These real items have been in direct response to the interest of a large group of students in our class and their desire to play "restaurant".  

Collaboration and respect are at the heart of our Kindergarten environment

... keeping our environment calm yet stimulalting can be a balancing act but this balance is one that we find both exciting and satisfying as educators.