The importance of context on children’s development, learning and transformations

The examples given below show the different ways the Reflection with Guidance tool can be used. 

Some are written stories with accompanying Reflection with Guidance templates completed by a small group of educators. 

Others are recordings of educators using the prompts on the Reflection with Guidance tool to discuss a photo or a video or a written narrative observation (learning story).

Other completed Reflection with Guidance templates show how educators have used them to reflect on a video of children or some photos.

“The child should experience nature in all its aspects - form, energy, substance and colour.”

(Froebel in Lilley, page 148)

Exploring musical creativity in the mud kitchen

Exploring musical creativity in the mud kitchen 

Watch a short video of a child playing the drums in the mud kitchen! Listen to educators reflecting on this video. Would you agree with their reflections? Does the context for this child’s development and learning echo the context provided in your own setting?

Splash, splash 

Read about how E, a boy with autism, explores a puddle. You will see that he doesn’t need much in the way of resources but that the context and the presence of a trusted adult are significant to his development and learning.

Splash, splash Learning Story

Splash, splash Reflection with Guidance

Cupcakes in the rain 

Take a look at the photos and read the accompanying reflections. Consider the use of time and space. Is there a better way of truly engaging in rain?

Cupcakes in the rain Learning Story

Cupcakes in the rain Reflection with Guidance

Muddy puddles

The sheer joy of a muddy puddle. Read how a simple puddle can provide the context
(time and space) for high levels of wellbeing and involvement. See how a puddle can support flourishing of children and adults.

Muddy puddles Learning Story

Muddy puddles Reflection with Guidance