Children see the world quite differently than we do. The world is new to them. They are experiencing so many "firsts" and trying to make sense of them. When we seek out their points of view, we gain valuable insights into their thinking, their questions, their fears, and the things that tickle their fancy and delight them. Take time to listen and watch closely. Let their perspectives inform everything you do in your day-to-day practice.
Imagine a program with pedagogical leadership in place. Not just as an afterthought or hit-and-miss effort squeezed in among the countless administrative and supervisory tasks. But real guidance and ongoing dialogue! How might the outcomes for the staff and children be different?
Consider how a child might describe his or her experience in a program in which all staff benefit from consistent pedagogical leadership as part of their daily practice.
Margie Carter describes pedagogical leadership in this way:
"Pedagogical leaders study and guide the teaching and learning process in their program. They keep everyone focused on the remarkable children in their midst and how teachers can learn from them when they carefully observe, listen, and study their documentation together. Pedagogical leaders question, provoke and support possibilities for children and teachers to engage in relationships and investigations that bring joy and new learning for both of them."
Download "Outcomes for Jesse". Add to Jesse's list. Add 10 things you think children might say if they experienced the benefits of a program with pedagogical leadership in place. After you have completed this activity, use the to record your reflections on how easy or hard it was for you to come up with outcomes from the child's point of view.
Use this template to record your observations, thoughts, and feelings. Download the Template
Deepen your understanding of the Topic: Reflective practice and supervision (another way of describing pedagogical leadership) in Performance Area 2 of the CA ECE Competencies. Scroll to page 108.
Can you find other places in this competency area that address your interests and needs?
Read the article "The Real Power of Mentoring" to discover how the author mentors teachers to help them see the child's point of view, as well as reflect on how they want to use their power.
© Copyright 2011-2013 California Department of Education. All rights reserved. Electronic edition 2011, and 2013. Print edition 2012 ISBN:978-0-8011-1719-0. The ECE CompSAT project was produced by Fresno State University for the California Department of Education in 2013.
