I was invited by The York Region District School Board Early Years Team to co-facilitate the Central Primary Network meetings with Teri Rubinoff and Tami Paterson, during the 2017 & 2018 school year. The goal of The Primary Network in 2017-2018 was to extend the principles of play-based learning across the primary grades. Through the development of co-constructing a shared understanding of play-based learning, exploring the role of pedagogical documentation in play-based learning, and making connections to practice through interactions with provocations, resources and books as a catalyst to spark playful learning, the participants collaborated to deepen their understanding of play based learning. Engaging Primary Learners Through Play: ETFOvoice (2011) Fundamental Principals of Play-Based Learning: EduGAINS (2016) Ontario Science Centre: Play Video Series |
DocumentationThe Network participants had opportunities to use organizers and technology to document the learning.
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Connections to CurriculumThe participants carefully considered their observations of play to make connections to the learning that was uncovered during the process, shifting mindsets from "covering the curriculum" to "uncovering the learning".
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Books as ProvocationEach participant was generously gifted a copy of The Water Walker by: Joanne Robertson.
Thank you @yrdsbfnmi ! As a network, we explored how to embrace books as a platform to spark playful learning invitations and embed opportunities for cross-curricular learning across the grades. |