It was a delight to meet up with my EdD friends, Joy, Jackie, Helen and Cathy, at the TACTYC conference in Birmingham yesterday. I belong to a community of Early Years researchers!
I soaked up the presentation by Kathy Gooch and Sasha Powell. They talked about the need for 'authentic professionalism that comes from within'. Early Years work involves more than activity, they suggest. We bring who we are, our inner beings to the work, rather than simply perform according to externally devised standards.
Clare Warden stressed the importance of reflection and professional dialogue and advocated the use of reflective journals and 'floor books'. Within this approach, there is a space for 'silent pedagogy', and for skilled practitioners to share magic moments with children.
Cathy Nutbrown talked about the importance of children engaging with 'the stuff of the world', having opportunities to mould clay and water and other earthly materials, and watching crafts people at work. Highly skilled people are needed for work with young children.
These inspiring talks have re-enlivened my thinking and will feed into my writing as I develop my thesis.
Take me out to the meadow that is mine, mine
Out in the ancient English fields
Allow me to gaze at the tower and town
You and me, out there in the open
SC 10/11/12
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