Values and beliefs

Collaborative Relationships

  • Focus on building strong and effective collaborative interactions.

Values and Beliefs

  • Belief: A conviction regarding what we consider to be true.

  • Value: The principles we regard as important.

  • Our values influence our behavior and the choices we make.

Desired Traits for Children

Choose 5 words that encapsulate the traits or characteristics you wish to foster in children through their experience with you:

  • Adventurous

  • Proud

  • Determined

  • Cheerful

  • Affectionate

  • Inquisitive

  • Energetic

  • Desire to excel

  • Polite

  • Respectful

  • Friendly

  • Open-minded

  • Altruistic

  • Self-starter

  • Obedient

  • Confident

  • Caring

  • Sense of humour

  • Spontaneous

  • Independent Thinker

  • Honest

  • Industrious

  • Persistent

  • Risk-Taker

  • Assertive

  • Confident

  • Creative

  • Appreciation of beauty

Source: Bloom, P. (2003) Leadership in Action: How effective directors get things done. Lake Forest, IL: New Horizons (p. 102).

Factors that Influence Collaboration

  • People: The individuals involved in the collaboration.

  • Time: Availability and management of time for collaborative efforts.

  • Communication: Essential for successful collaboration; clarity and openness.

  • Leadership: Direction and guidance provided by leaders in collaborative settings.

  • Vision: A collective understanding of the goals and objectives.

  • Planning: Strategic organization to facilitate collaboration.

  • Learning Together: Shared experiences that promote collective growth.

  • Technology: Tools that enhance and support collaborative efforts.

  • Trust: Building confidence among participants.

  • Decision-Making: Collaborative processes for making choices.

  • Flexibility: The ability to adapt processes and approaches.

Reasons to Collaborate

Rewards of Collaboration

  • Shared accomplishments.

  • Recognition for collaborative efforts.

  • Personal and professional achievement resulting from collaboration.

Reflection

  • Consider what you achieved when you engaged in collaborative processes.

Collaboration Between Key Stakeholders

  • Collaborative interactions should take place among:

    • Directors

    • Educators

    • Parents

Montessori Philosophy

Characteristics and approaches:

  • Multi-age groupings: Children of different ages learn together.

  • Teachers as guides: Educators facilitate children's use of materials in appropriate ways.

  • Learning materials: Must be arranged meticulously to promote effective use.

  • Learning through senses: Engagement of all senses is important in the learning process.

  • Uninterrupted work time: Emphasis on providing blocks of time for focused work.

Introduction to the Montessori Method

  • Emphasizes the role of the environment and children’s autonomy in learning.

Waldorf Philosophy

  • Focus on different developmental stages:

    • The first three years prioritize physical activity.

    • Middle years (3-7): Shift towards imaginative play.

  • Incorporation of field trips and real experiences, avoiding virtual contexts.

  • Learning through practical work: Activities include baking, gardening, and handwork.

  • Encouragement of nature exploration.

  • Emphasis on protection and respect for children.

Source: International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education

Reggio Emilia Approach

  • Emphasizes the following:

    • Self-directed, experiential learning: Children take initiative in their own learning.

    • Relationship-driven environments: Focus on building connections between children, educators, and families.

    • Community importance: Recognizing the value of community in the learning process.

    • Documentation and projects: Essential elements that showcase the children's learning experiences.

Source: vancouverreggioconsortium.ca