Glynne Mackey – University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ. OMEP 65 th World Congress July 2013 ‘
Empowerment Allows child to learn and grow; to be active in gaining knowledge that leads to decision-making and individual and/or collaborative action. Empowerment of child and family through democratic processes. Holistic development Children grow in an holistic way within meaningful relationships and experiences Family and community Sharing information; participation and collaboration; understanding parental expectations and understandings Relationships (with people, places and things) An ethic of care; peacefulness; respect; balance of power ; responsive and reciprocal
Nature kindergartens Mangere Bridge – children helping on a farm (mangerebridgekindergarten.blogspot.com ) Ngahere Project – a unique NZ bush experience (Kelly & White, 2012) Fiordland Kindergarten – a kindergarten on the boundary of a World Heritage Park ( Enviroschools nation-wide programme for a whole school/centre approach with strong links to the community
Christchurch – about 12,000 recorded shakes since September 4th Sustainability more focused on community; importance of place and relationships; care & empathy Opportunities to rethink and plan the physical environment – more natural features and gardens; more bicultural construction
Graduating teacher standards - professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values and relationships LINKS TO: Key tenets of ECEfS – the child as a right holder: meaningful dialogue and engagement with children: representing and appreciating diverse contributions: and democratic values and principles of participation (Samuelsson and Kaga, 2008) Teacher education programmes are now including courses that address issues on environment, sustainability and social justice Teacher Education Networks – meet, share, discuss, reflect.
Kelly, J., & White, J. (2012). Pedagogy beyond the gate. The Ngahere Project. Early Childhood Folio, 16(2), Ministry of Education (1996). Te Whāriki: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media. Pramling Samuelsson, I., & Kaga, Y. (2008). The contribution of early childhood education to a sustainable society. Paris: UNESCO. mangerebridgekindergarten.blogspot.com (Canterbury Kindergarten Association)