Projects

OUR JOURNEY

How do Reggio-inspired, hands on materials, facilitate inquiry-based learning and support understanding of math concepts within a community of diverse learners?

We have realized that letting go of our expectations for outcomes and trusting the learning journey can create a more meaningful learning environment for our students and help them think more deeply. We have more specifically looked at new Math routines and giving ownership and responsibility of learning to the children, rather than trying to manage them and steer them to a specific end. As teachers, however, we do understand that we need to still be available for the children, offering them provocations, and guidance. We have also experienced how highly engaged the students become when they are presented with the variety of math manipulatives and things found inside the class and outdoors. Tapping into this excitement allows for us to more easily extend and support further learning.

We feel that we have created a solid foundation, gathering materials and organizing them for ease of use and sharing with other teachers. We have become more aware of natural opportunities for learning and finding learning in everyday activities. There is a greater sense of awareness in our daily practices, an awareness that allows us to slow down and delve deeper into topics when we notice an interest. We plan to implement daily routines such as number talks and exploration, perhaps start a book club, team teach with our fellow teachers and plan school/class visits. We also feel that it might be helpful to plan and reflect before the school year begins, so that we may be more aware and prepared for whatever stage we are at in this learning journey.