This week in Jasper we explored deeper into ourselves as individual people, co-learners in the Jasper room, as family members, and as citizens. The children identified their understanding of their rights as individuals, and we explored new ways of asking for what we want or need, saying how we feel or think and positive ways to encourage each other to do the same. This led to the children identifying that if we all just treated each other nicely, “like in the otter book!” (Griffin), we would all have the best time ever!” (Cohen) The book Griffin was referring to is called “Do Unto Otters” by Laurie Keller if you would like to read it at home.
The main idea of the book is that Mr. Rabbit is getting new neighbours, the Otters, and he decides that he wants the Otters to treat him the way he wants to be treated. Most people call this “The Golden Rule.” The children felt that they liked this “rule” and wanted the educators to help them remember it. We all talked and decided to paint a canvas with their version of the words on it, and then we all “signed” with a glittery handprint that we agreed to remember it. You can find our Golden display inside the classroom. As we catch up on missing handprints and new children we will add them to the display!
The experiences from this whole week have provoked a deeper understanding in the children of their rights, responsibilities and roles in our learning community. The educators will observe and document this further to allow for further exploration and understanding. We all would like to thank our families for taking part in our Fabtabulous Summer Ice Cream Extravaganza! It’s great to see the relationships that each child and family have!
“Children develop a sense of self: developing recognition of self; co-constructing their identities; experiencing growing self-confidence, self-respect, and ability to take initiative; growing in their capacity to express feelings, concerns, and needs; pursuing interests, passions, and strengths; being curious and questioning; persevering and persisting.”
Makovichuk, L., Hewes, J., Lirette, P., & Thomas, N. (2014). Play, participation, and possibilities: An early learning and child care curriculum framework for Alberta. Retrieved from www.childcareframework.com
