Overview Module Two

“Early childhood educators experiment with and live pedagogical commitments through their practice. And, while always situated within specific ECE contexts, pedagogical commitments also link to broader issues and concerns. For example, early childhood spaces engage in pedagogies that challenge anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.” 

(Early Childhood Pedagogies Collaboratory)

In this section, participants will think about how to foster authentic children’s spaces and experiences and provoke wonder, curiosity and engagement.

Engagement with resources will support learners to be able to provoke and lead meaningful, generative conversations within early learning environments. Drawing on contemporary pedagogical approaches, participants will develop and articulate a personal pedagogical philosophy that fosters responsive, equitable, inclusive, and socially just early years environments. This section emphasizes the importance of ethical standards that support approaches that respect children's rights, autonomy, and agency.

Drawing on contemporary Early Learning Frameworks, learners will engage with pedagogical approaches that foster practices and environments that are ethical and responsive, support holistic care and education, promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and foster culturally responsive practices. 

Learning outcomes serve as a valuable resource to guide your learning journey and ensure you can maximize your learning experience. The primary purpose of this section is to clearly communicate the intended learning outcomes of Module Two: Leading Through Practice- Contemporary Pedagogical Practices and Frameworks. 

The learning outcomes for Module Two align with the content, activities, and assessments you will encounter throughout Module Two, enabling you to track your growth and identify improvement opportunities. 

After completing all activities and the reflective assessment within Module Two, participants will: 

• Drawing on contemporary pedagogical approaches, develop and articulate a personal pedagogical philosophy that fosters responsive, equitable, inclusive, and socially just early years environments.

Module Two Activities and Assessments

The activities within Module Two include:

• ACTIVITY 2.1 | Slowing Down…Responsive Practice Watch a video and use reflective prompts to consider how slowing down might promote more intentional, responsive practices. 
• ACTIVITY 2.2 | Pedagogy of Listening Consider how a pedagogy of listening can support you in more deeply understanding the children in your care. 
• ACTIVITY 2.3 | Leading with Intentionality Read a blog, reflect on the emotional and pedagogical intentions behind your learning environment, and create a simple sketch or mind map to visualize a responsive, child-centered space.
• ACTIVITY 2.4 | Ethical and Equitable Practices Reflect on a real-world scenario that raises ethical concerns about children's rights and autonomy, and consider how to support educators in aligning daily practices with principles of equity, dignity, and respectful care.
  
• ACTIVITY 2.5 | Culturally Responsive Practices Consider how to cultivate environments that are not just inclusive but actively affirming the diverse identities and histories that children bring with them.