Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) is an evolved framework from Vygotsky’s original cultural-historical psychology, further developed by Leontiev and Engeström. It gives educators lens to analyse and understand children and families, focusing on the interaction between children and their socio-cultural context.
CHAT origins
Vygotsky introduced the idea of mediation, where human actions are mediated by cultural tools and signs (Engeström, 2007). They focused the role of cultural artifacts in shaping mental processes. Soviet psychologist Leontiev expanded this framework to include collective activity, integrating community and division of labour, thus providing a more systemic approach to understanding activities (Engeström, 1987). Engeström further developed the theory to address networks of interacting activity systems, highlighting the importance of resolving contradictions through expansive learning (Roth, 2007).
Key Concepts
An activity system includes components such as the subject (individual or group), object (goal), mediating artifacts (tools), rules, community, and division of labour. This system helps understand the dynamic and complex nature of human activities (Engeström, 1987). Expansive Learning is the process involves identifying contradictions within the activity system and resolving them through collective learning and innovation. It is a cyclical process with stages like questioning, modelling, implementing, and consolidating new practices (Bligh & Flood, 2015; Engeström, 2016). Contradictions are critical for driving change and development within an activity system. Types include dilemmas, conflicts, critical conflicts, and double binds, each requiring different resolutions (Engeström & Sannino, 2011).
What does it mean for you as an educator?
CHAT has been widely applied in educational research to understand how social interactions and cultural tools mediate learning. You can consider meal times or slee times and how you can tap into the family context. What tools, like verbal guidance can you use to support children, how can you value cultural tools families already are using with children.
Critical pedagogies are mentioned among the most important pedagogies educators should rely on the EYLF 2.0 (AGDE, 2022): “critical theories that invite educators to challenge assumptions about curriculum, and consider how their decisions may affect children differently” (p.13).
I already talked abot critical pedagogies in my video The Truth about Critical Pedagogies https://youtu.be/fMTPGKuamNc
HenryGiroux is certainly one of the most influencial theorists of critical pedagogies and critical theories. His ideas have greatly influenced the field of radical, critical pedagogy, focusing on equality, democracy, and justice – values that are crucial in early childhood education. So… let’s talk about him!
Who is Henry Giroux?
Giroux earned his doctorate in 1977 from Carnegie Mellon University, specialising in curriculum theory and the sociology of education. His career spans teaching at Boston University and Miami University in Ohio, where he became a professor of pedagogy and an honorary researcher. Later, he was a chair of the Department of Secondary Education at Pennsylvania University.
Key ideas
Giroux’s work revolves around several core themes relevant to early childhood educators. They are
Equality and Democracy. Giroux believes that education should foster a democratic society where every child’s voice is valued, regardless of their background. Do you think EYLF V2.0 also promotes that?
Cultural politics and critical pedagogy.He advocates for an education system that acknowledges and incorporates diverse cultural perspectives, ensuring that all children feel represented and respected. Repsect for diversity is embedded in the EYLF V 2.0
Teachers as intellectuals. Giroux sees teachers as transformative intellectuals who help shape a more just and equitable society.
The concept of otherness. Giroux’s key idea of “otherness” is all about culture or social positioning of groups as an element of democratic participation.
According to the philosopher and theorist, education should go beyond school boundaries and instantly become a part of social life, giving it an inevitable political context. It is not a neutral concept (which is similar to the ideas of Paulo Freire) and shuold not be taken for granted.
Education, Giroux argues, is not just a simple means of cultural reproduction but serves those who hold power in society, facilitating their access to power and rights. Giroux insists that education should be seen as a state of resistance, mobilising activities of struggle for liberation from cultural hegemony, which stigmatises, isolates, and alienates significant segments of the population.
Giroux’s radical pedagogy requires a new vision — one that celebrates what does not yet exist, what is possible, looking beyond immediate givens to the future and fighting for new possibilities for humanity.”
Critical Pedagogy in Practice
In his works, such as “Ideology, Culture and the Process of Schooling” (1981) and “Theory and Resistance in Education” (1983), Giroux promotes critical thinking and awareness. For early childhood educators, this means encouraging children to question and explore the world around them, fostering a sense of curiosity and critical awareness from a young age.
Democracy and participation
Giroux’s vision of democracy is about equal participation for all, which is essential in early childhood settings. By creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels heard and valued, educators can lay the foundation for a more democratic society. This involves recognising and celebrating “otherness” – the diverse cultural and social backgrounds that children bring to the classroom. Giroux highlights the importance of this by stating, “the notion of ‘otherness’ concerning culture or social positioning of groups as an element of democratic participation is essential.” This is aligned with the ideas of Reggio Emilia project and rights – based education, anti-bias curriculum approach.
Educators and children voice
Giroux’s approach empowers both educators and children. Teachers are seen as key agents in promoting social justice and equality, while children are encouraged to engage critically with their community and society. This helps build a community of learners who are aware, engaged, and committed to making a positive impact. Giroux states: “schools should be places of cultural production and transformation, where an individual or group expands their powers and freedoms, becoming a member of a just society that guarantees personal and collective autonomy.”
Key Works
One essential book by Henry Giroux is “Theory and Resistance in Education” (1983), where he explores many of the critical ideas discussed above.
Final thoughts
I think, that Henry Giroux’s radical pedagogy offers valuable insights for early childhood educators. His principles of equality, democracy, and critical awareness, can help you, as an educator, to create more inclusive and empowering learning environments.
Giroux’s work reminds us that education is not just about transmitting knowledge but about shaping a just and equitable society, starting with our youngest learners. I wonder how you can add Giroux’s ideas into early childhood education philosophy and program? I think it can help foster a generation of children who are not only knowledgeable but also critically aware and socially responsible.
Watch Henry Giroux videos
For more insights from Henry Giroux, you can watch his video here.
What do you think about Henry Giroux ideas? Storykate
Learning environments are one of the key pedagogical practices in the EYLF 2.0 (AGDE, 2022). Learning environments play a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of children. According to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) 2.0, these environments include physical, temporal, social, and intellectual elements. Welcoming, safe, and inclusive indoor and outdoor spaces not only respect and affirm the identities of children and families but also enrich their lives. Today I will explore the key aspects of creating effective learning environments, incorporating practical examples and embedded video links to illustrate these concepts.
Physical and Temporal Elements
Learning environments should provide both active and calming spaces, allowing for a balanced schedule of active and quiet play. Educators must plan environments that cater to individual as well as group activities, responding to children’s interests and capabilities. For example, setting up a cosy reading corner alongside a vibrant art studio can cater to different moods and learning styles. Watch this video on creating flexible learning spaces for practical tips and ideas.
Social and Intellectual Elements
Environments that support learning are vibrant and flexible, reflecting the strengths, culture, languages, interests, and capabilities of each child. They should also mirror aspects of the local community. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and relevance. For instance, incorporating local Indigenous art and stories into the classroom can create a richer learning experience. Check out this video on integrating cultural elements into the learning environment.
Inclusive Spaces
Well-planned environments make reasonable adjustments to cater to different learning capacities and styles. Educators should invite children and families to contribute their ideas, interests, and questions, creating unique and familiar settings. This participatory approach can build intercultural spaces where both Western and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge are shared. This video on play spaces inspired by Aboriginal Perspectives highlights how to involve the ways of knowing into your practice.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Outdoor environments are a staple of Australian learning settings, offering heaps of opportunities for physical activity and learning experiences unavailable indoors. Natural elements like plants, trees, edible gardens, sand, rocks, mud, and water invite open-ended play, exploration, and connection with nature. These spaces foster an appreciation of the natural world and interdependence among people, animals, plants, lands, and waters. Learn more from this video on outdoor learning environments.
Learning on Country
Educators are encouraged to facilitate learning on Country, respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections to the land. This practice benefits all children, fostering a deep connection to nature and cultural understanding. For Indigenous children, this connection is integral to their spirituality and relationships. Watch this video on learning on Country to see examples of how this can be implemented.
Sustained Shared Thinking and Collaborative Learning
Indoor and outdoor environments should promote sustained shared thinking and collaborative learning. Providing spaces and opportunities for children to engage in meaningful conversations and activities with educators, families, and the broader community is essential. This video offers insights into creating such environments.
Materials and Resources
Materials enhance learning when they reflect what is natural and familiar while introducing novelty to provoke interest and complex thinking. Digital technologies can enable global connections and new ways of thinking, fostering an understanding of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This video on innovative educational materials showcases examples of how to incorporate these elements into learning environments.
Teaching Young Children: Choices in Theory and Practice by Glenda MacNaughton
Description: This book explores a range of teaching strategies and theoretical approaches for early childhood educators. It includes practical examples and discusses how to apply different theories in the classroom to enhance children’s learning and development.
Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards
Description: A crucial resource for educators to promote inclusion and equity in the classroom. It provides practical strategies for addressing and challenging biases related to culture, race, and other social justice issues.
Inspiring Spaces for Young Children by Jessica DeViney, Sandra Duncan, Sara Harris, Mary Ann Rody, and Lois Rosenberry
Description: This visually stunning book offers innovative ideas for creating engaging and beautiful learning environments for young children. It emphasizes the importance of well-designed spaces in enhancing the educational experience.
Music in Early Childhood Education by Joanne D. Greata
Description: A comprehensive guide for educators on how to teach music to young children. It covers fundamental music concepts and provides practical strategies for integrating music into early childhood education.
Learning Stories in Practice by Margaret Carr and Wendy Lee
Description: This book offers a practical approach to documenting and assessing children’s learning through the use of learning stories. It includes detailed examples and guidance on writing and using these stories effectively to support children’s development and reflective teaching practices.
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.
