Happy September! Last week as I was setting up our classroom for the new school year, I happened to bump into my early childhood educator friends in our school early years centre (daycare). Â We chatted for a bit about our new Junior Kindergarten students and which ones they knew from their summer program, and a […]
A Leap of Faith – Four perspectives on moving to a new country to study
Last year I decided to move halfway across the world to a new city alone. Yes, ALONE. It was terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Â I first came to New Zealand in 2006 to attend teachers college at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Â During the year and a half that I lived […]
Celebrating Lunar New Year In Auckland
Every year, to celebrate Lunar New Year, the city of Auckland organizes an event called the Lantern Festival. Â Over the span of a few days, green the city is transformed into a magical space full of decorations, food vendors and cultural activities. Â This year, to accommodate the thousands of visitors to the Lantern Festival, it […]
Early Years Learning Through a First Nations Lens
A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit the Dene First Nation community of NDilo in the Northwest Territories. Â I was inspired to visit the local school – K’Alemi Dene School because of the unique heritage of its community. Â I was curious to learn more about how this community, its teachers and […]
North of the 60th Parallel – Yellowknife, North West Territories
I’ve always been fascinated by the landscape of the Canadian north. Â The beauty of it’s rugged wilderness, distinct culture and of course, the aurora borealis were all on my bucket list of things to experience. Â As an educator, what drew me to visiting Yellowknife was the opportunity to dialogue with teachers, principals and students to […]
Rethinking the Traditional Schoolyard – Edible Gardens
Edible gardening promotes both a respect of the natural environment as well as an opportunity for students to take part in growing fresh foods. Â There are numerous benefits of school gardens and edible landscaping for students such as learning about ecology in a real-world context, learning teamwork skills and eating healthier foods. Gardening benefits the […]
Children’s Art Studio Visit
Art galleries are one of my favourite places to visit whether I am at home or travelling. Â While visiting a local art gallery I happened to discover a beautiful children’s art studio on the premises. Â As a kindergarten teacher I am always inspired by new learning environments and interested in the different ways that children […]
Symonds St. Early Childhood Centre, Auckland
My learning journey this year focuses on exploring early years learning through a Reggio approach in different parts of the world. Â I am curious to see what early years learning looks like by observing learning spaces, materials, and teacher philosophies. During my time in Auckland I had the opportunity to visit Symonds Street Early Childhood […]
University of Auckland
This month I began my studies at the University of Auckland. Â Studying in New Zealand has always been a dream of mine, and now that I am finally walking the campus grounds in this beautiful city I almost want to pinch myself! Â Auckland is such a diverse and multicultural city with stunning green spaces. The […]
