I will be honest, not many academic books are inspiring or written well so they are hard to put down. This book about childhood culture and adult role in supporting children’s learning and the magic of childhood is absolutely gold. Be prepared to be surprised and provoked, this book will make you reflect on any folk pedagogies and outdated beliefs you might have about children.
For starters, this book is inspired by the theory of Barbara Rogoff, a researcher, anthropologist and socio-cultural theorist, who I am very fond of. This offers a “cultural” lens to childhood. In simple terms, Emily encourages us to view ourselves as foreigners in the country of childhood and respect diversity and different rules.
Insight 1: Understanding Childhood Culture
- According to Emily, children have their own unique culture, distinct from adults. Recognising and respecting this culture helps educators connect more meaningfully with children.
- As an educator, observe and appreciate children’s ways of communicating, playing, and interacting. Adapt your teaching to align with their cultural norms.
Insight 2: Value Play
- Play is the primary way children explore and understand the world around them. The thing is many adults do not understand play or know it.
- Encourage and facilitate various types of play (free, structured, imaginative) in the classroom to support learning and development.
Insight 3: Focus on relationships
- Strong, positive relationships are crucial for children’s emotional and social development.
- We can build trusting and respectful relationships with children, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. Which, again, aligns well with the EYLF 2.0 respectful and reciprocal relationships principle. Emily suggests many ways to acknowledge child is here and they are important.
Insight 4: Pedagogy of Listening
- Like Reggio Emilia’s approach, Emily suggests educators and parents start listening to children’s voices and perspectives. Listening is essential for understanding their needs and interests.
- Educators need to learn the skill of active listening, ask open-ended questions, and validate children’s feelings and ideas.
Emily Plank believes, that when we focus too much on the future (so close to walking), we forget to appreciate the present state of the child. For me, this aligns so well with the EYLF 2.0 and the concept of “BEING”. If we follow this logic, we will value children as HUMAN BEING, not HUMAN BECOMINGS.
Insight 5: Inclusion
- Inclusivity in early childhood settings promotes equity and a sense of belonging.
- Educators must design inclusive learning environments that respect and celebrate diversity, ensuring all children feel valued.
With all focus on inclusion, Emily encourages us to reconsider phrases: we all are friends in here or even force children into friendship.
Insight 6: Autonomy
- Children benefit from opportunities to make choices and take ownership of their learning.
- Provide choices in activities and encourage children to take on responsibilities appropriate for their age.
The childhood is measured by the pinnacle of adulthood. According to Plank, children are still considered to be underdeveloped adults by the majority of parents and even educators.
Insight 7: Support Creativity
- Creativity is a vital part of children’s cognitive and emotional development. This also aligns with the ideas of Reggio Emilia and EYLF 2.0 (e.g. outcome 4 and outcome 5).
- Encourage creative expression through art, music, storytelling, and imaginative play, providing diverse materials and opportunities for exploration.
Emily talks a lot about process art and why it is important.
I’ve come across a new concept of curiosity-driven art in this book and found it implemented in some centres, where children have access to recycled resources and can use them as they wish.
I think – this quote is an absolute gold.
Insight 8: Reflective Practice
- Reflective practice helps educators improve their teaching strategies and better understand children’s experiences
- Regularly reflect on your teaching methods, interactions with children, and classroom environment. Use these reflections to make informed adjustments and improvements. I guess you can find the link to the critical reflection and ongoing learning in the EYLF 2.0. too!
Emily Plank invites us to reflect on difficult and even dangerous (if we use the terminology of Michael Foucault) questions: why children love gunplay, why they may be mean to each other, love picking up gross things (possum poo, an old balloon found near the bin?).
This part is particularly interesting and provoking. Educators and adults in general tend to ban anything that is risky or dangerous according to their beliefs.
Insight 9: Community of Learners
- Creating a community of learners enhances collaboration, support, and shared growth among children and educators.
- We can foster a sense of community in your classroom by promoting cooperative learning, mutual respect, and shared goals.
To sum up, as an early childhood professional, I’ve found Discovering the Culture of Childhood by Emily Plank to be a thought-provoking and inspiring read. It encourages a deeper understanding of the unique world of children.
Get your copy of the book (I got Kindle copy)
Storykate
