The Gift of Togetherness

February 24, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The staff at Kanata Research Park Family Centre have put together an exhibit to “[celebrate] the sounds of children, of families, of nature and living things, of imagination, of democracy, of community, of tension, of reunion, and of connection” (para. 2). They reflected on the eerie sound of quiet within the child care centre when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down their programs, and the beautiful sounds when the children returned.

You can find a link to the virtual exhibit in the COVID-19 section of our Portal.

Quote: Challenge & Complexity

February 22, 2021September 16, 2021Leave a comment

What story could you tell?

February 19, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board recently offered a survey regarding staff well-being. Some of the feedback from this survey was to support staff through re-connecting and opportunities to support mental health.

We know that many of the staff working in child care and EarlyON programs in our communities have strengths and talents to inspire, showcase, and bring comfort to others. Do you or does your centre have a skill to share? A story to tell? Perhaps you have a colleague that has a gift that you recognize others should see. Whether it’s documentation, cooking, crafting, or storytelling, we would like to hear what you could share virtually among our community!

Submit your idea to us at early.years@tbdssab.ca

All the Daze Youth Virtual Art Gallery

February 17, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

ALL THE DAZE Productions is offering a new stage to showcase youth’s creativity.

Beginning February 14, 2021, All the DAZE Productions began a virtual art gallery to showcase youth art. This includes drawing, painting, modelling, photography, hand work and sculpture. This is being organized by Marcia Arpin, Executive Director of Nanabijou Child Care Centre.

Beginning March 1, 2021, more submissions will be accepted. Please email alllthedaze@gmail.com samples (or photos) of artwork for consideration. Marcia will respond with additional details if needed. There will be a Preschool Gallery, Junior Gallery (ages 5-7), A Senior Gallery (ages 8-12) and Highschool Gallery (ages 13-18).

To view the gallery, visit: www.allthedaze.ca or search for All the DAZE Productions on social media platforms

Marcia says that she is looking forward to building a collection of COVID creativity!

Does learning about anti-Black racism count as a professional learning activity? Absolutely!

February 17, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Did you know that February is Black History Month? We would like to share with you this article from the College of ECE’s Publication Connexions: Does learning about anti-Black racism count as a professional learning activity? Absolutely! Please click HERE to read the article.

This article discusses the importance of listening to the voices and learning from experiences of Black members of communities as a foundational component of anti-bias and anti-racism work. It also encourages members of the college to consider choosing learning about anti-Black racism as part of your Continuous Professional Learning.

Keep in mind that anti-racism work should take place all year and is part of our ethical work as Registered Early Childhood Educators. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Indicates, “The College has a legislated mandate ‘to establish and enforce professional standards and ethical standards that are applicable to members of the College and that demonstrate a respect for diversity and a sensitivity to the multicultural character of the Province’ (ECE Act, 2007).” Please click HERE to view The College’s Statement of Commitment to Anti-Racism.

Early Childhood Community Development Centre Podcast

February 16, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

For your information, the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) has created FREE podcasts related to the field of Early Childhood Education. Some examples of topics include: Recognizing Educators’ Dedication and Cultivating Well-Being, How to Cultivate Culture for Learning in Challenging Times, and Rethinking Documentation Strategies in this Challenging Time. Click HERE to stream the podcast on your device.

French Professional Learning

February 9, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Attention all Francophone educators in the District of Thunder Bay. The AFÉSÉO has several upcoming webinars. A couple have been added to our Calendar, and you can find information regarding the series “les webinaires qui font fleurir” HERE.

Piazza ORA

February 1, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The TBDSSAB pedagogical team will be participating in this year’s Piazza ORA (see information below). We encourage you to reach out to us if you are interested in this opportunity; a group of 6 or more from our community will allow everyone to receive a discounted rate. Please contact us by Friday, February 5^th to express your interest in joining us for the group rate, early.years@tbdssab.ca.

The Ontario Reggio Association is providing an extraordinary opportunity to engage with Tiziana Filippini, pedagogista from Reggio Emilia, over the course of four encounters. This also includes four interim gatherings (a total of eight gatherings altogether).

Piazza ORA 2021 Dates
February 16 6:30-7:30 pm (introduction with participants only)
February 23 12:30-2:30 pm
March 9 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
March 30 12:30-2:30 pm
April 13 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
April 27 12:30-2:30 pm
May 11 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
May 25 12:30-2:30 pm

The focus this year will be on intentionality in the teacher’s role as co-protagonist of learning. Intentionality is key in shaping activities, knowing what to document and when and how to respond while allowing children to learn together in relationship. Understanding better the role of the adult in children’s learning can be the thread that is woven through our “across the province” action research projects.

Please clickHEREfor more information.

What is Pedagogy?

January 22, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The College of Early Childhood Educators developed a Practice Guideline in July 2020 on Pedagogical Practice. In this Practice Guideline, the College defines pedagogy as follows:

“Pedagogy is the understanding of how learning takes place and the philosophy and practice that supports that understanding of learning. Pedagogical thought is growing in complexity and must consider diverse and changing contexts (Vintimilla, 2019). Across Canada, and internationally, there are growing theoretical and practical discussions that describe pedagogy as a way of being that sparks conversations about life, the environment, community and relationships (CECE, 2020, p. 4).”

As you reflect on this definition of pedagogy, we encourage you to consider:

Does this definition resonate with you?
Would you define pedagogy in a different way? If so, how?
In what ways are you currently involved in pedagogical practice?

We welcome you to share your thinking with us below.

Mr. Rogers Quote

January 4, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment