5x5x5

I'll be spending some time learning about 5x5x5 this evening for sure.  Have you heard of it?

"5x5x5=creativity is an independent, arts-based action research organisation. It involves groups of artists, educators and cultural centres working in partnership to support young children in their exploration and expression of ideas - and in doing so helps them develop valuable creative skills for life.

5x5x5 is inspired by the celebrated Reggio Emilia educational approach in Northern Italy that respects children as strong, capable protagonists in their own learning. It recognises children's innate inquisitiveness, and affords them the space, time and individual adult attention to explore and learn from the world around them."

Take a look!

via urban preschool

little man

Meet the Teacher

I met a new student today, and he brought a card along with him to give to me.  He dictated a message that his Mom wrote inside (translated into English by her):

Allie,

We start our path together...TODAY...the first day of school...TODAY...How exciting, how fun...okay...okay...okay...

A

This is my favorite time of year.  But I'll probably say that in 2 months.

PechaKucha

I am very excited to be part of PechaKucha Brussels Volume 14, taking place in conjunction with Design September.  I'll be presenting images and words about young children and their relationship with design and their natural, uninhibited desire and ability to create.

I know very few readers are in Belgium, let alone Brussels, but I hope that some of you will be able to come out and listen.  I'll post more information about the other presenters as it becomes available.

You can see a little more information about the event (and past PechaKucha Brussels events) on the website.

I was in my classroom this week with the intention of figuring out a layout for the room.  I spent most of the time standing in the middle of the space, drinking tea and staring.  Anyone who saw me doing that probably thought I wasn't being productive.  But I most certainly was.  Details on that will come later.

But I found some treasures while I was dragging furniture and emptying boxes, and I'm sharing them here.  Evidence of what we do in the classroom together, and what the children create.  I can't wait to get back.

I'll be taking a real, true, honest break until I return to the classroom so I can get off the grid and enjoy my last week of vacation.  I'll be back in a few weeks.

Chris Raschka + his glasses + illustrations

I found this video in my bookmarks and realized I hadn't shared it yet.  It's wonderful to see the inspiration and work process of such a fantastic author and illustrator.  Like Likes Like is a personal favorite of mine.

How Preschool Changes the Brain

A little article summarizing a paper by economists, who claim that preschool is the best investment.  The writer cites the Perry Preschool project, but unfortunately makes the statement, "there appears to be nothing special or unique about the Michigan preschool".  I would have to say that the Perry Preschool was quite a bit different than the other preschools of the day, pioneering teaching young children in a hands-on, child-centered context.  But hey, that's just my opinion.

You can read the article here, and if you are eligible for a free download, you can read the paper here.

More information about the Perry Preschool Project is here.

Getting Ready

I think that there is a post from last year with the very same title.

I'm thrilled to be standing in my classroom right now, even though I do not have to be here for another two weeks.  At the beginning of a summer holiday, I feel like I could be on holiday forever - but as the weeks go by, I start itching to get back to the classroom.

So as I stand here with access to last year's photos, looking over a classroom that is once again a blank slate, ready for a group of children and a classroom community.  Five of my students from last year continue on with me this year as they turn four, and we welcome new three- and four-year-olds. 

I'll be taking one last little vacation, to Sweden, before returning to the classroom on August 16th for a week of professional development (on guided inquiry) before welcoming the children.  I can't wait.