Co-Creating Playful Learning Experiences for Toddlers:
Building Documentation Into Your Curriculum
Presentation of a Reggio-inspired curriculum for children aged 15-months-33 months published by Neighborhood Villages that responds to an unmet need in ECE. It was piloted in existing early education programs in the Boston area as part of ‘The Neighborhood’, a pilot district-level model for early care and education. Guided by the principles of playful learning, co-created by educators, families and experts in the field, and aligned with the local K-12 school district, the project brings a unique anti-bias, child-centered lens to learning through play. This session will focus on how this curriculum provides early educators with flexibility and scaffolding and the importance of strong documentation practices to guide teaching and learning in the classroom. Participants will engage in experiencing playful learning and practice strategies for using documentation to make learning visible & plan for future experiences for children. Discussion on the relationship between documentation and curriculum to support educator planning of play-based learning experiences.
Who is Pamela Thompson?
Pamela Thompson
Pamela Thompson is the Director of Teaching and Learning at NV. In this role, she leads the Teaching and Learning team, providing support to the programs in the Neighborhood. Pamela is a dedicated early childhood educator who has found her passion in supporting other early childhood professionals. She has held many roles during her career from teacher to director, in both non- and for-profit early education settings. Pamela also experienced public and private schools while preparing for her teaching license in elementary education. Prior to joining NV, she supported individual and collective professional development as an Early Education Coach with Head Start. In her experience, she has found that relationships (just like with children) are the key to supporting continued growth. She is passionate about supporting educators' on-going evolution as knowledgeable, skillful, and extraordinary teachers. Pamela loves providing tailored encouragement and engaging training to challenge educators and help them rediscover their passion for and their “why” of working with children. Pamela holds a BA in psychology and a MA in teaching from Simmons College. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Urban College of Boston where she aims to inspire the next generation of early educators. She enjoys continuing to expand her own knowledge in hopes of being a change agent bringing further awareness to the needs of early educators working to meet the needs of ALL students. Pamela lives in Boston with her wife and two cuddly fur babies.