By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. I think I have always been fascinated by small world play. As a child and as an adult. I have fond memories of creating miniature worlds especially outdoors. I used rocks, mud, grass, straw and sticks to form a world that I could play inside of. I was in control. … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. We are living in extraordinarily difficult times profoundly impacting the three subjects of education; children, families and teachers. Every day, I find myself in a paradox. I see images and words shared on social media that demonstrate that choices are being made to continue within the restrictions and limitations to … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. One of the benefits of a long career in early learning is the opportunity to see how the profession evolves and responds to new thinking, ideas and concepts. A concept is an abstract idea. Conception is the act of conceiving a child or an idea! A misconception is the result … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. It was in 2015 that the York Region Nature Collaborative offered the first Rhythm of Learning in Nature which is an opportunity for like-minded educators to come together to experience nature in dialogue with the Reggio Emilia Approach and influenced by forest school practices and Indigenous ways of knowing. … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. The Rhythm of Learning in Nature is a professional knowledge retreat held every summer at beautiful Swan Lake in York Region, Ontario. It is an intensive six days of connectiveness to nature and is designed for adults and children. As the children play in the meadow and the forest, the … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. Years ago, I was profoundly influenced by the legacy of Frances and David Hawkins. David Hawkins along with his wife Frances, an early childhood educator, were “committed to the idea that in order to best serve children, teachers need to be dedicated learners as well” (Lynch, Shaffer, & Hall, 2009, … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. I have made this confession before – when I worked directly with children I did not embrace outdoor play and learning. I could have never imagined that as retirement is looming over the horizon that I would be advocating for outdoor play and learning. I am volunteering with the York Region … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. It has been a few weeks since my return to Reggio and I am still processing the experience. The opportunity to spend a week in this historically beautiful environment with others on the 2018 Canadian Study Tour was one that I will always cherish and hold close to my heart. … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. In less than one week’s time I will be on the road to Reggio Emilia, in north central Italy. This will be my third and maybe the last time I participate in a study tour. Reggio Emilia is home to what are considered the best preschools in the world. According to … Continue reading
By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. I regret to say that when I worked with young children I did not fully embrace the opportunity to help them build nature connections. I have made that confession in a previous post. However, in the last five or six years, nature pedagogy has become both a passion and a research … Continue reading
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