To review the learning of a child in the light of Susan Hart’s Framework for Innovative Thinking

Aim

To review the learning of a child in the light of Susan Hart’s Framework for Innovative Thinking.

Evidence and reflection

Think of a child who is puzzling you, and review an example of their play or learning activities which surprised you.

Write a brief account of what happened.

Now use Hart’s framework to reflect on what happened. Does it help in illuminating possible interpretations? What more would it be helpful to know? How might you find this out?

Extension

Share what you have written with a colleague who also knows the child. How does their understanding match or contrast with yours? Why do you think this is? What strategies seem most appropriate for the future? Discussing our interpretations of children and their behaviours can be a helpful way of challenging our own preconceptions. We will consider the value of reflecting as a team in Chapter 3.

More in this chapter

• To reflect upon what you feel the role of the early years practitioner should be
• To reflect upon your own decision to work in ECEC.
• To reflect upon perceptions of the characteristics of men, women and early years practitioners
• To reflect upon whether your practice and your philosophy are always compatible
• To re-consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• To reflect upon the ideas of ‘school readiness’ and ‘school unreadiness’
• To deepen your understanding of a child
• To understand our perceptions of children and their families