Nurture with Yally

May 27, 2024May 27, 2024

Exploring the Incredible Polka-Dotted World of Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most fascinating and influential artists alive today. At 93 years old, the Japanese contemporary artist continues to create installations that blur the boundaries between illusion and reality.

She is best known for her immersive installations featuring repeating patterns and her extensive use of polka dots and mirrored rooms.

Who is Yayoi Kusama

Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan. From an early age she experienced hallucinations and obsessive thoughts that would shape her artistic style.

Raised in Matsumoto, Kusama trained at the Kyoto School of Arts and Crafts in a traditional Japanese painting style called nihonga.

She rose to prominence in the 1960s as an influential figure in the avant-garde art scene in New York, alongside movements like pop art and minimalism.

Her famous “Infinity Mirror Rooms” are spaces filled with mirrors and LED lights that create a kaleidoscopic illusion of endlessly repeating patterns and polka dots.

She pioneered the concept of the “obliteration room” – stark white rooms that viewers cover with sticker dots over time.

These stark white spaces become gradually covered by viewers applying bright sticker dots, allowing the rooms to morph from blank canvases into explosions of vivid color and shape over time.

Her iconic works feature obsessively repeated patterns of polka dots, nets, and shapes recurring motifs reflect her unique psychological perspective that has shaped her artistic vision

Major retrospectives of her work have been held at the Tate Modern, Whitney Museum, and other leading art museums worldwide.

Since the 1970s, she has lived voluntarily in a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo, using an on-site studio to create her prolific artworks.

However, in 2016 at age 87, she reportedly left the psychiatric facility and moved into a traditional house nearby to be closer to her studio and gallery.

Kusama’s artistic vision has transcended any single technique, as she has continued exploring her obsessive visual language across painting, sculpture, fashion, performance, literature, film, and public art over her pioneering career.

Yayoi Kusama’s boundless imagination and exploration of infinite repetition have solidified her status as one of the most iconic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her hypnotic polka-dotted wonderlands blur the lines between the cosmic and the microscopic, inspiring wonder in millions.

Click the link below

‘Artists Who Painted Their Emotions’

May 20, 2024May 22, 2024

Fermenting vs. Pickling: Which One is Healthier?

Food preservation techniques have been around for centuries, and two of the most popular methods are fermenting and pickling.

Extending shelf life and preventing spoilage was one of the primary motivations for preserving food in the old days and preserved foods like certain pickles, cheeses, and cured meats became culinary staples deeply rooted in various cultural cuisines and traditions around the world.

While both processes extend the shelf life of foods, they differ in their methods and potential health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of each process and explore which one might be the better choice for your overall well-being.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of each process and explore which one might be the better choice for your overall well-being.

What is Fermenting?

Fermenting is a process that involves the conversion of sugars and starches into alcohol or acids by microorganisms like bacteria or yeasts.

It typically involves lacto-fermentation, where lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, creating an acidic environment that prevents spoilage. Examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, and sourdough bread.

The process

• Introduce beneficial microorganisms (starter culture or natural fermentation)

• Allow the microorganisms to convert sugars and starches into lactic acid or other byproducts

• Fermentation can take several days or weeks, depending on the food and desired level of fermentation.

Benefits of Fermented Foods

• Rich in probiotics (beneficial bacteria) that support gut health and digestion

• Improved nutrient availability due to the breakdown of compounds by microorganisms

• Reduced levels of antinutrients (compounds that inhibit nutrient absorption)

• Distinctive tangy, slightly sour flavors

What is Pickling?

Pickling involves immersing foods in an acidic solution, typically vinegar or brine (salt and water).

The acidity of the pickling solution inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms, preserving the food. Examples of pickled foods include cucumbers, peppers, onions, and eggs.

The Process

• Prepare the pickling solution (vinegar, brine, or a combination)

•Immerse the foods in the pickling solution

•Pickling can be done relatively quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours or days

Benefits of Pickled Foods

• Extended shelf life due to the acidic environment

• Contributes to vegetable intake and provides antioxidants

• Adds unique flavors to dishes

Which One is Healthier?

When it comes to overall health benefits, fermented foods generally have an edge over pickled foods.

Here is why:

• Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which support gut health and immune function.

• The fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients.

• Fermented foods often have lower sodium levels compared to pickled foods.

While both fermenting and pickling are excellent methods for preserving foods, fermented foods offer more potential health benefits due to their probiotic content and improved nutrient availability.

Moderation is key, and both fermented and pickled foods can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. When choosing between the two, consider your overall dietary needs and preferences, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different fermented and pickled foods to add variety and flavor to your meals.

May 20, 2024May 22, 2024

Matcha Latte: A Creamy Green Boost

Matcha is a finely milled powder made from high-quality green tea leaves, packing a concentrated antioxidant punch in every sip.

With its vibrant green hue and gently sweet, toasty flavor, matcha makes for a refreshing latte that gives you a focused energy boost without the jitters of coffee.

I have been drinking coffee every day since I was in my teens. I have gotten to a point where I want to cut down significantly, and I have finally found a healthier replacement.

Matcha Ice Latte

Matcha is high in antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallate), boosts metabolism, and promotes alertness, the L-Theanine in matcha produces an "alert calm" effect making you feel focused without the jittery side effects. It has anti-aging properties. The high antioxidant levels in matcha may help prevent premature aging by reducing oxidative stress. Matcha is rich in chlorophyll which can help detoxify the body.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 10

Course Drinks

Ingredients

1 tsp matcha green tea powder

2 tbsp hot water

3/4 cup milk of your choice

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tsp matcha powder and 2 tbsp hot water until a smooth, lump-free bright green paste forms.

2.Add the cold milk and whisk vigorously to combine with the matcha paste until fully incorporated.

3.If using, whisk in 2-3 tbsp simple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener to taste.

4.Fill a tall glass with the ice cubes.

5.Pour the matcha milk mixture over the ice.

6.Give it a gentle stir.

7.You can garnish with a dusting of matcha powder on top if desired.

Notes

Using cold milk eliminates the heating step, making this an even quicker iced matcha latte. The hot water is still used to initially bloom the matcha powder before combining it with the cold milk.

So whether you’re an experienced matcha connoisseur or just matcha-curious, making matcha lattes at home is a simple way to treat yourself to this amazing beverage. Just follow this easy recipe.

May 20, 2024May 20, 2024

Danish Kindergarten’s: Nurturing Childhood Wonder Through Exploratory Play

In Denmark, the kindergarten experience looks quite different from many other countries. Rather than an emphasis on formal academic instruction, Danish kindergartens prioritize a play-based, exploratory approach that supports the holistic development of young children.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Danish kindergarten model so unique and enriching for little learners.

A Focus on Play-Based Discovery

At the heart of Danish kindergartens lies the belief that children learn best through joyful, self-directed play and first-hand experiences.

You won’t find worksheets, deskwork or an overemphasis on rote skills here. Instead, these kindergartens cultivate a vibrant environment of open-ended play activities, sensory exploration, storytelling, art, music and abundant opportunities for physical activity.

Through free play, guided play, creative play and more, children organically develop a wide range of cognitive abilities like problem-solving, critical thinking and language skills.

But play nurtures far more than just academics – it allows children to build social-emotional intelligence, self-regulation, imagination and a zest for learning itself.

Nurturing the Whole Child

More than just education centers, Danish kindergartens serve as spaces for holistic growth and well-being. There is a profound appreciation for childhood as a unique life stage, not merely preparation for the future.

Great care is taken to respect children’s inherent interests, perspectives and rhythms of development.

Enhancing children’s independence, self-esteem and personal agency are core goals. A low child-to-teacher ratio allows for attunement to each child’s needs. Rather than top-down instruction, teachers act as supportive guides, encouraging children to explore, experiment and discover at their own pace fueled by curiosity.

Democratic Values in Action

Danish society places a strong emphasis on democratic principles from the youngest ages. In kindergartens, you’ll see this democratic spirit alive through daily practices.

Children actively participate in discussions around the establishment of classroom rules and routines through daily circle times. Their voices and choices are centered.

This participation nurtures critical thinking and an understanding of democratic citizenship from an early age.

Children gain skills in respectful dialogue, negotiation and recognizing diverse perspectives. It’s an inspiring model of mutual respect between children and adults.

The Great Outdoors

While the indoor classrooms buzz with engaging activity corners, Danish kindergartens place a special focus on connecting children with the natural world. All kindergartens have dedicated outdoor play areas and garden spaces.

More notably, there is a strong tradition of regular outings and forest days where children can roam, explore and engage in unstructured outdoor play.

This immersion in nature fosters environmental awareness, physical skills, risk management and a sense of wonder towards the living world around them from an impressionable age.

Continuity through Family Partnerships

Danish kindergartens actively partner with parents through regular communication, classroom participation and aligned practices at home.

This collaboration ensures consistency and continuity in supporting each child’s growth and well-being. It allows the nurturing philosophies to extend beyond the classroom walls.

By involving families as active stakeholders, the child’s holistic needs can be better understood and met.

At its core, Denmark’s progressive approach to early childhood education is centered around respect for childhood – its joys, its spontaneous curiosity and its unbridled potential.

My experience with child-centered early education

From 2010 – 2019 I had the privilege of teaching in a similar hands-on, child-centered kindergarten approach, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this child-centered, play-based pedagogy.

I understand intimately how creating an environment brimming with open-ended exploration, joyful discovery and respect for the innate curiosity of young minds can kindle an enduring love of learning.

My classroom was a holistic haven where every child’s unique strengths, interests and developmental needs were nurtured through carefully facilitated play, outdoor adventures and democratic participation.

Under my guidance, children organically build vital skills – cognitive, physical, social and emotional – while their sense of wonder, independence and self-belief blossomed. With a deft blend of intentionality and a deep appreciation for the magic of childhood, I exemplified how prioritizing play, freedom and trust lays the firmest foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Rather than pushing academics from the earliest ages, Danish kindergartens honor the human drive for exploratory, self-directed learning.

Through play, wonder and strong bonds of trust, these little ones are granted the invaluable gifts of confidence, passion for discovery and a firm foundation for lifelong learning. This is what holistic, child-centered education looks like in action.

What to know more about active learning check out this blog post. Click here ‘ Nurturing Essential Skills in Early Learners: A Play Based, Child-Led Approach ‘

May 11, 2024May 11, 2024

Naomi Drew’s Mission: Conflict Resolution Skills for Every Child

There are so many parenting experts, authors, educational leaders, curricula developers and speakers out there many of us can learn so much from.

Meet Naomi Drew M.A.

Naomi Drew M.A.,is an internationally recognized expert in the field of conflict resolution education for children.

She is well-known around the world for her work in conflict resolution, peacemaking, and anti-bullying.

She has developed acclaimed curricula for teaching peacemaking and social-emotional skills from an early age. Her pioneering “QUEST” model provides a step-by-step framework for guiding kids to resolve conflicts constructively.

Q – Questioning

U – Understanding perspectives

E – Exploring solutions

S – Setting terms

T – Trying it out

Drew’s books like “Learning the Skills of Peacemaking” and “Peaceful Kids” are used by educators and parents worldwide to equip children with vital conflict resolution abilities.

Her engaging, age-appropriate activities draw from evidence-based practices in children’s social-emotional learning. Drew’s decades of work have made her a leading voice in promoting peaceful conflict resolution as a core life skill for all ages.

Her work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and on radio and national TV, including NBC, The New York Times, Time magazine, and Parents magazine.

Her work enables parents, educators, and people of all ages to apply these skills in their daily lives.

Here is a list of 8 books authored by Naomi Drew M.A.

Her books include resources for parents and educators. They provide activities, stories, games, and lessons to teach.

Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids: Practical Ways to Create a Calm and Happy Home

Naomi Drew offers the first proven action plan for conflict resolution by parents at home. The strategies in “Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids” are based on the revolutionary program Drew developed for the classroom. She uses concrete situations, hands-on examples and testimonials from real mothers and fathers to guide parents

Hope and Healing: Peaceful Parenting in an Uncertain World

Offers advice for parents of families dealing with stress, fear, or anxiety, and presents strategies for creating a peaceful, secure, and nurturing home.

Learning the Skills of Peacemaking : An Activity Guide for Kids

This highly regarded work shows K-6 teachers and counselors shows how to promote peacemaking and problem-solving skills across the curriculum. It includes an effective peer mediation program with forms, a training guide, scripts, and group role plays. Additional information on parent involvement and leading parent workshops is included and so much more. It was one of the first books to introduce peacemaking to public education.

The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along

From taunts and teasing to physical assault, kids can learn how to avoid conflict and diffuse tough situations A complete and practical toolkit to help teens navigate a sometimes hostile world The kids’ guide to working out conflicts.

Create a Culture of Kindness in Elementary School

Increase empathy in the elementary classroom with ready-to-use lessons that teach students positive skills and attitudes. Kids learn better and feel better about themselves in an atmosphere of safety and respect. This book shows you how to help students in grades three through six.

The peaceful Classroom in Action

This inspiring, practical and highly usable activity book shows how to create peaceful, productive classrooms from the first day of school. Teach students respect, acceptance and conflict resolution skills while also improving writing and language skills-important with today’s emphasis on academics and accountability. The Peaceful Classroom in Action will show you how.

Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School

Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School focuses on positive and prosocial attitudes and behaviors that build a respectful and compassionate school environment, while also addressing the tough issues of prejudice, anger, exclusion, and bullying.

No Kidding About Bullying: 125 Ready-to-Use Activities to Help Kids Manage Anger, Resolve Conflicts, Build Empathy, and Get Along: Grades 3-6

Prevent bullying behaviors, help students become “upstanders” for themselves and others, and foster respectful, welcoming classroom communities with this flexible resource. Featuring lessons that may be completed in 20 minutes or less, the book can be used as a stand-alone curriculum or as a complement to other anti-bullying and character education programs.

While geared towards educators, the principles and activities Drew promotes have applications far beyond just the classroom.

By learning constructive conflict resolution approaches as children, these critical life skills can shape how they navigate relationships, disagreements, and challenges throughout their lives.

All of us – parents, family members, community leaders – can benefit from the wisdom in Drew’s publications. Implementing the peacemaking models in our own spheres can ripple out in positive ways.

Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional, as the saying goes. Naomi Drew shows us that by fostering these skills from childhood, we can all take the higher road when differences arise.

Her books are not just resources for teachers, but guidelines for anyone wishing to cultivate more understanding in our world.

Please go visit her blog

Click Here--- authornaomidrew.blogspot.com

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024

Best Conflict Resolution Strategies for Children: STEP Method & Shared Concern

Along with the awareness of themselves, children develop a growing awareness and appreciation for others too.

A great deal of early learning takes place in the context of social interactions with adults and peers.

Conflicts are inevitable as kids navigate friendships, sibling dynamics, and social situations. Rather than avoiding disagreements, we can equip children with the tools to resolve conflicts constructively.

A child’s earliest social and emotional experiences set the stage for his or her well-being throughout life.

The STEP Approach to Conflict Resolution

This simple yet powerful approach provides children with a step-by-step process for working through conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Many education organizations, parenting resources, and child psychologists recommend some variation of these basic steps.

It seems to be a commonly used framework for teaching conflict resolution skills to children, drawing from principles of emotional intelligence, mediation, and problem-solving techniques.

S - Stop and calm down:

Take a deep breath, count to ten, or take a break to regain composure.

T - Think about the problem:

Think about the problem: Encourage both parties to share their perspectives without blaming or accusing.

E - Explore solutions:

Brainstorm potential solutions that address everyone’s needs and concerns.

P - Pick the best solution:

Agree on a resolution that’s fair and acceptable to all involved.

Role-playing and modeling these steps can help children internalize this process and apply it in real-life situations.

By taking a pause, considering both viewpoints, generating options, and agreeing on a resolution, kids learn crucial skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and compromise.

The Shared Concern Method

This method focuses on finding common ground and shared interests between conflicting parties.

Similar to the STEP approach this process involves:

1. Letting each child express their perspective and feelings without interruption.

2. Identifying the shared concern or problem they want to solve.

3. Brainstorming possible solutions that address everyone’s interests.

4.Negotiating and agreeing on a mutually acceptable solution

This cooperative approach fosters active listening, validates each child’s needs, and teaches them to find creative solutions that work for all involved.

Both of these methods empower kids to take ownership and responsibility in resolving conflicts, developing invaluable social-emotional skills.

What other conflict resolution approaches do you know?

What to know more about conflict resolution for your young ones?

Click here Teaching Your Kids Conflict Resolution: Building Blocks for Healthy Relationships

April 28, 2024May 22, 2024

Teaching Your Kids Conflict Resolution: Building Blocks for Healthy Relationships

From home to the playground to the classroom, conflict is an inevitable part of a child’s social world. While disagreements and clashes are normal, it’s crucial to equip children with the skills to navigate conflicts constructively.

By learning effective conflict resolution strategies early on, children can build strong, healthy relationships that last them well throughout their lives.

The Basics of Healthy Relationships

Relationships, whether with friends, family, or peers, thrive on a foundation of mutual understanding, respect, and empathy.

When children learn to appreciate different perspectives and communicate their needs clearly, they’re better equipped to resolve conflicts positively.

Encourage children to:

Practice Active Listening

Teach them to listen attentively without interrupting, paraphrasing what they’ve heard to ensure understanding.

Listening games like:

The Telephone Game This classic game helps reinforce the importance of careful listening.

Simon Says In this game, children have to listen carefully and follow instructions that begin with “Simon says…

Listening Scavenger Hunt Give children a list of sounds or objects to listen for (e.g., a bird chirping, a car honking).This game keeps them tuned in to their auditory surroundings.

Express Feelings

Help them identify and articulate their emotions using “I” statements, like “I feel frustrated when…”

Activates like:

Emotion Charades Write different emotions (happy, sad, angry, scared, etc.) on slips of paper. Have children take turns acting out the emotion without using words while others guess what they’re expressing.

Emotion Sculptures Have children use play-dough, clay, or their bodies to sculpt different emotional expressions or scenarios that represent various feelings.

Musical Emotions Play music with different emotional tones (happy, sad, angry, etc.). Children move and dance to express the emotion they think the music conveys.

Show Empathy

Guide them to consider how the other person might be feeling and validate those emotions.

Story books that provide valuable lessons for our early years young readers

The Wheel on the School (Written by Meindert DeJong , Illustrated by Maurice Sendak )
A heartwarming story about a group of schoolchildren who work together to bring storks back to their village. Teaches cooperation, problem-solving, and community building1.

Enemy Pie (Written by Derek Munson , Illustrated by Tara Calahan King )
A delightful tale of a boy who learns an unexpected lesson about friendship and understanding. Demonstrates how to turn an “enemy” into a friend through empathy and shared experiences

Max and Bird (Written and Illustrated by Ed Vere)
Max, a kitten, befriends Bird, who is not what Max expected. Encourages acceptance, understanding, and finding common ground

The Story of Ferdinand (Written by Munro Leaf, Illustrated by Robert Lawson)
The gentle bull Ferdinand prefers smelling flowers over fighting. Celebrates individuality and nonviolent choices

Pig War : How a Porcine Tragedy Taught England and America to Share (Written by Emma Bland Smith, Illustrated by Alison Jay)
Based on a true historical event, this book explores conflict resolution between two nations over a pig. Highlights negotiation, compromise, and peaceful solutions

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type (Written by Doreen Cronin, Illustrated by Betsy Lewin)
Farm animals use negotiation skills to improve their working conditions. Playfully introduces the concept of collective bargaining and compromise

The Wall in the Middle of the Book (Written and Illustrated by Jon Agee)
A humorous story about a knight who believes a wall protects him from danger. Encourages questioning assumptions and bridging divides

The Hueys in It Wasn’t Me (Written and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers)
A quirky tale of blame-shifting among a group of egg-shaped characters. Promotes honesty, responsibility, and conflict resolution

That’s Not How You Do It! (Written and Illustrated by Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar)
Two friends, a cat and a squirrel, learn to appreciate each other’s unique approaches. Celebrates diversity and finding common ground

Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime! (Written by Lisa Mantchev, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill)
Jinx the cat and Doom the dog team up to solve neighborhood mysteries. Emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving

The Power of Compromise

Compromise is often the key to resolving conflicts amicably. Teach kids that finding a middle ground, where both parties’ needs are partially met, is better than insisting on getting their way entirely.

Celebrate small victories, and remind them that good relationships involve give and take.

Do you have methods and tips on problem-solving and conflict resolution for children?

Posted on April 11, 2024April 14, 2024
Reimagining Global Education: What if Every Child Went to a Montessori School?

When you consider the world’s most influential technology leaders – figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, Larry Page, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates – you might be surprised to learn that they all have one thing in common: a preference for Montessori education for their own children.

Despite the fact that these titans of industry did not themselves attend Montessori schools growing up, they have chosen this scientifically-grounded pedagogical approach for the next generation.

What is it about Montessori that has captured the attention of some of the world’s most successful innovators?

Montessori's Proven Track Record

The Montessori method, developed over a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori , is founded on the principles of hands-on, self-directed learning. Rather than traditional lecturing and rote memorization, Montessori classrooms emphasize exploration, problem-solving, and the holistic development of the child.

Research has consistently demonstrated that Montessori students excel academically, often performing above grade level in core subjects like math, reading, and science. But the benefits go far beyond test scores.

This focus on the “whole child” is a key distinguishing factor of the Montessori approach. In addition to academic subjects, Montessori education nurtures social-emotional skills like self-regulation, empathy, and collaboration. The multi-age classrooms also foster a sense of community and peer-to-peer learning.

But the impact would go far deeper. A world educated through Montessori would likely be more environmentally conscious, as the curriculum often includes lessons on sustainability and respect for the natural world.

There would also be greater equity and inclusion, as the Montessori method is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual child.

Montessori’s emphasis on independence, self-motivation, and personal responsibility could foster a new era of active, purpose-driven global citizenship.

Transforming Global Education

What if every child had access to a Montessori education? The implications would be profound. Academically, we’d see a dramatic rise in overall student achievement, with new generations of innovative problem-solvers and lifelong learners.

Perhaps most importantly, a universal Montessori education could cultivate more engaged, socially conscious citizens, empowered to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Yet, despite this proven track record, Montessori education currently accounts for only around 0.1% of the total global student population.

This small percentage represents a missed opportunity – a chance to leverage a scientifically validated pedagogy to transform educational outcomes worldwide.

The Wishful Path Forward

Of course, transitioning to a truly Montessori-based global education system would require significant investment, policy changes, and a concerted effort to expand access, particularly in underserved communities.

But the potential rewards are immense – a world of creative, emotionally intelligent, and environmentally responsible individuals working together to build a better future for all.

While the current 0.1% global share of Montessori education may seem disheartening, it also represents an untapped wellspring of transformative potential.

If we can unlock the power of Montessori for every child, we may just find ourselves living in a radically improved world – one characterized by academic excellence, creativity, emotional intelligence, environmental stewardship, equity, and active citizenship.

Of course all this right now is a wishful thinking, a dream. But I am willing to do my little part in the grand scheme of educational transformation that needs to happen for the sake of our future generations to come.

It’s is a future worth striving for.
What do you think?

If you like this post you might also enjoy this one ‘The Montessori Way: An Exploration of Maria’s Child-Centered Educational Vision’

Some Montessori schools around the world

Posted on April 8, 2024April 11, 2024
The main ideas behind Piaget’s constructivist theory

The constructivist theory emphasizes that learning is an internal process of interpretation and construction triggered by experiences.

Jean Piaget’s theory of constructivism is a theory that explains how people acquire knowledge and learn.

Caregivers and teachers should create environments that promote active learning, inquiry, problem-solving and allow learners to construct their own understandings.

What to find out more?

Click on the link below

The Wisdom of Jean Piaget: Why Kids Learn Best Through Discovery

Posted on April 4, 2024April 11, 2024
The Wisdom of Jean Piaget: Why Kids Learn Best Through Discovery

As an educator and a parent, I’ve always been fascinated by how children’s minds develop and the teaching approaches that best nurture their curiosity and understanding.

That’s why the work of Jean Piaget, the pioneering Swiss psychologist, has had such a profound influence on my teaching philosophy.

Jean Piaget’s advocacy for active, discovery-based learning methods was truly revolutionary and foundational for modern educational approaches that prioritize hands-on exploration and student-centered instruction.

However, despite the widespread embrace of these principles today, we often fail to appreciate the pioneering work and struggles of figures like Piaget who paved the way for such learning philosophies.

During Piaget’s time in the early 20th century, educational models were still heavily influenced by more traditional, instructor-led pedagogies. The idea that children actively construct their own knowledge through experiences was radical.

Piaget and his contemporaries had to fight against deeply entrenched conventions and mindsets that viewed children as mere receptacles for imparted facts and instruction.

For those unfamiliar, Piaget (1896-1980) was a true visionary who revolutionized how we think about childhood cognitive development. Prior to Piaget, most people simply viewed children as less competent thinkers compared to adults.

But through meticulous observations and interviews, Piaget demonstrated that children actually go through distinct stages of intellectual growth.

His seminal work outlined four key stages – the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages. At each juncture, Piaget revealed how a child’s mind builds increasingly sophisticated cognitive structures and reasoning abilities when interacting with the world around them.

The move towards hands-on, experiential learning espoused by Piaget represented a seismic philosophical shift – from viewing knowledge as transmitted content to understanding as an active process of equilibrating one’s mental frameworks.

This constructivist model bucked the authoritarian, one-size-fits-all educational approaches of the era.

Figures like Piaget, John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky and others were radicals in their times – insisting that curricula, instruction and classroom environments be reimagined to align with principles of cognitive development, inquiry-based learning and symbiotic teacher-student relationships.

They had to fight vehemently against the inertia of traditionalist factory models of education.

Piaget's Advocacy For 'Discovery Learning'

What was truly groundbreaking about Piaget’s ideas was the notion that children actively construct their own knowledge and understanding.

He showed that human intelligence is not merely transmitted through instruction, but shaped by the learner's experiences, interactions, and drive to make sense of their environment.

This core insight led Piaget to advocate for “discovery learning” – creating educational environments where children can explore concepts through hands-on activities suited to their developmental level.

Rather than just lecturing facts, Piaget inspiried student-centered approaches where teachers guide children to discover key principles through their own experimentation and problem-solving.

I used to teach in active early learning environments and my daughter also being a product of explorative and active early learning methods I’ve seen the power of Piaget’s ideas firsthand.

When my daughter was younger, we’d do simple activities like sorting shapes, counting objects, and observing changes in matter. She was always so curious and eager to figure things out through tactile exploration. Let me tell you it shapes an overall confident young human.

Even in upper grades, my former students thrived when I designed open-ended challenges and engaged them in cycles of hypothesis, experimentation and discussion.

By grappling with concepts through their own actions and observations, the learning became cemented as a personal "discovery" rather than imparted facts.

What We Can Learn From Jean Piaget

At its heart, Piaget’s pioneering work reminds us that productive learning is an innate human drive, not something that can be forced through rote instruction alone.

Our role as educators and parents is to create opportunities for children’s minds to grow by:

1. Meeting them at their level of cognitive development

2.Challenging them with disequilibrium experiences to evolve their mental frameworks.

3.Nurturing their curiosity through exploratory, hands-on activities.

4.Guiding them to discover key principles through their own actions and reflections.

Even today, with our advanced pedagogical research and understanding, we see many schools and policymakers still clinging to outmoded, standardized testing-centered models that prioritize rote knowledge over cultivating critical thinking, creativity and self-directed learning abilities.

So while the language and practices of “active learning” have become mainstream, realizing the deeper ethos behind it remains an ongoing struggle – just as it was for Piaget and other progressive thinkers who bucked the conventions of their era.

Essential Books By Jean Piaget

Here are several books written by Jean Piaget himself, as well as many other books written about his theories and ideas by other authors. Here are some of the most well-known and influential ones:

This groundbreaking work delves into how children develop language, thought, and knowledge. Jean Piaget, a prominent developmental psychologist, explored how children actively construct their understanding of the world through language.

This remarkable work explores into the ways in which the reasoning powers of young children differ from those of adults. It explores questions such as: What conceptions of the world do children naturally form at different stages of their development?

This influential work looks into the beginnings of intelligence, focusing on sensorimotor intelligence and the most elementary forms of expression. Piaget’s exploration of sensorimotor schemata and the mechanism of mental assimilation has sparked much discussion and interest among scholars and readers alike

Originally published in 1954, delves into the fascinating realm of child development and cognition. It unveils cognitive development. It unveils the intricate interplay between assimilation, schemata, and the emergence of a coherent worldview.

“Play, Dreams and Imitation in Childhood” offers a rich tapestry of observations, theories, and reflections on the intricate world of child psychology. It stands independently while also referencing Piaget’s other works on child development

This significant work contains a complete synthesis of Piaget’s thoughts on the mechanisms of intellectual development. It is an extraordinary volume by an extraordinary writer. Given his significance, it is hardly surprising that Psychology Today pronounced Piaget the Best Psychologist of the twentieth century

“The Moral Judgment of the Child” offers rich material, detailed observations, and thought-provoking discussions on how children learn to differentiate between right and wrong. Piaget’s unique approach sheds light on the complexities of moral development

Books About Piaget's Ideas by Other Authors:

provides a comprehensive overview of Jean Piaget’s groundbreaking theories. This generous selection of the most important of Piaget’s writings spans a period of some seventy years, organizing the core of his remarkable contribution in a way that clarifies and illuminates his aims, ideas, and underlying theme

“Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive and Affective Development” offers a rich exploration of how children’s thinking evolves, their understanding of reality develops, and the role of social interaction in shaping cognition. Barry Wadsworth’s work preserves Piaget’s historically important research while incorporating updates in critical areas

Originally published in 2000, critically examines the constructivist theory of learning, particularly its impact on science education. Matthews encourages thoughtful reflection on the theory’s impact in educational contexts.

“Piaget’s Theory of Intellectual Development” offers a gateway into Piaget’s world of cognitive development, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in child psychology

“Piaget and His School” provides a window into the intellectual journey of Jean Piaget, the collaborative spirit of the Genevan school, and the enduring impact of their collective efforts.

Understanding Piaget” is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and advanced students seeking a nuanced exploration of Piagetian theory. It invites readers to engage deeply with the intricacies of cognitive development and its multifaceted connections to social context.

Well these are just some of the many books that have been written exploring Piaget’s incredibly influential body of work on childhood development and learning. His ideas sparked intense study, debate, and application in education and psychology.

Some of these books are available on
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW

archive.org

nifplay.org

psycnet.apa.org

openlibrary.org

In conclusion in our modern age of technology and rapidly evolving knowledge, these constructivist principles are more essential than ever.

Facts can be looked up instantly, but the ability to actively learn, reason and create understanding is the greatest gift we can provide our children.

So let’s embrace Jean Piaget’s profound insights by empowering our students and kids as young scientists – hungry to interact with the world, formulate their own ideas, and experience the thrill of learning through discovery.

We owe a tremendous debt to these educational liberty fighters who imagined and evidenced more enriching, student-empowering models of learning and teaching.

Their legacy demands that we remain steadfast in realizing the full transformative potential of their visions.

There is so much to discover and explore in Piaget’s ‘Discovery Learning’.
Let me know what inspired you the most.
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The Importance of Understanding Developmental Milestones of Your Children

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