Brief reflection on children interviews and experiencing nature project progress

 

As I have been interviewing parents and children, I learned about outdoor play through their eyes. In response to my first question to children, “Do you like to play inside or outside”? Every child responded, “ I like to play outside”. They were very keen to have their voice be heard through interviews. All boys replied they love to climb trees and sand boxes. Girls liked to play by swings and in sand box mostly. The children I interviewed were from my Day care and are very comfortable with my camera and talking to me. It was easy for them to express their views on my inquiry about outdoor play and experience with nature. While going through chapter 6, about interviewing, in Researching children’s experiences I learned different techniques of interviewing children and asking them questions to which children express their true opinions. As it is mentioned on pg 93 questions and answers are forms of communication that consists of two primary features, “They both contain informational and relational intentions”. (Tammivaara &Enright, 1986,p.219, emphasis in original). I took group interviews as well as individual interviews. But the answers I received from children were very much similar and all children showed deep interest in exploring nature.

As our project of experiencing nature is in progress, and children are working on their vegetable garden and experience nature in woods. It’s interesting to learn how much children become calm and relaxed as well as more co operative with each other during out door activity. Later we use photoelicitation-interviewing technique with the photographs we take of children while exploring nature. Interviewing children was an interesting experience. Learning about their perspective of outdoor play and experiencing nature and joining them in their exploration was full of fun experience. I noticed that Children and nature are inseparable, all children love to play in mud, water, sand, and likes to explore bugs. Learning takes place outdoors, where children are free to explore and broaden their imagination, run around and interact with nature as well as reach their optimum physical and intellectual development.

 I also increased my knowledge by reading several articles on the benefits of outdoor play. As I am writing, I recall the following depiction of play from Elizabeth Goodenough’s book “Where do the Children Play”:

            

   “Play is the purest, most spiritual activity of man at this stage, and at the same time typical of human life as a whole---- of the inner hidden natural life man and all things. It gives, therefore, joy, freedom, contentment, inner and outer rest, peace with the world”.

                                                               Friedrich Froebel (1826)

                                                    

         This reminds me of a book I read few years back, Dibs in Search of Self   by Virginia M. Axline. It is about a boy who was deprived of play and outdoor experiences. Although he belonged to a very educated parents but he was not allowed to experience nature and play as an ordinary child. Just being deprived of such experiences he lost his childhood and was misunderstood as a challenged child. Ultimately he found his way to the world with the support and help of a teacher.  

            Through my ongoing research I realized that adults tend to forget the most valued features while planning for children’s play areas as well as curriculums. These may include water, sand, dirt, trees, bushes, and tall grass etc. While I was interviewing children I noticed they all love the outdoors and enjoy directly interacting with nature. Also when I got adults involved in outdoor experience along with children, they all enjoyed it very much altogether.

Reflection on chapters

CHAPTER 1: HANDBOOK

         This chapter tells us a detail history of Early Childhood education field. It is amazing how we have progressed in this field although still a long way to go and discover the undiscovered issues in this field. As this chapter emphasizes on the importance of Theory, research and practice, which are all interrelated as well as independent of one another. Any process of knowledge starts with an issue, which needs to be studied through research. Theory and practice supports the research study and provides directions for future studies. It was an interesting chapter to learn how deeply and closely these three fields, research, theory, and practice are intertwined together.

         This chapter brought into our attention the history of Early Childhood education which started 150 yrs ago and progressed a long way. The outer effects on this field as well as how the researchers overcome the issues in this field. As the first step in United States in this field was Infant schools then came Kindergarten along with German immigrants. Kindergartens are now very much in practice and have major part of our academic school. In the process of research and finding the best area of learning for children, Nursery schools were introduced from England and Montessori methods from Italy. Research on Early Childhood Education was   also based on the concerns for America’s national defense, social justice, and changes in developmental psychology. Jean Piaget’s studies brought a change in the developmental theory in the field of Early Childhood education.

         As it was later noticed that poverty and environment does have deep effects on children’s learning experiences and impacts on their development. As well as the effects of Cold War and soviet technology was impacting children. This led to the approval of National Defense Education Act, which focused on improving children’s public education in America. This act did bring great change and efforts were put even to provide additional education to teachers. Researchers focused more on education of children in science, mathematics, social studies and language from very early age such as kindergarten age.

 In 1970 there was a great expansion in the field of Early Childhood Education and kindergarten education. Along with this Early Childhood Programs were introduced in colleges and Universities. It was interesting to learn through this chapter how far we have come with the help of researchers doing extensive researches in this field. 

 

CHAPTER 7: CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCES.

Art plays a major role in human life. If we observe the nature and universe we will see art all around us. God has created the universe very artistically, and we must listen to the nature as it does speak to us and reveals the secrets of nature. Provided we listen.

Since primitive ages people use art as a tool of communication. Now archeologists find drawings and paintings on caves and utensils as well as on graves and jewelry, which depicts the status of people. They also learn and find the history of primitive age through these drawings.

As I was reading this chapter it showed the importance of drawings and photographs in collecting data for research. As through photographs we can get the exact picture of the event and time as well as the culture, society, and environment the child is in.

Drawings are a great tool for ice breaking between the researcher and child. Also they can be great for shy children to express their feelings as well as for the special rights children. Sometimes children do not want to use words to express their true feelings, they like to express through drawings and story telling through picture drawings. Teachers do use group drawing projects and use tape recorders to record their  conversation about the drawing project they are working on. It provides a very clear picture of how children feel. I like this approach of collecting data for the research project.  I always  used photographs and drawings for seeing the progress in my children’s development and to keep parents updated with their child's evry day activity. But this chapter did increase my knowledge of collecting data  in accurate way and using it as a tool for my project.

Reflection on Reggio -Inspired Wayne State University Seminar

 

We attended a Reggio-inspired seminar at Wayne State University on April 25^th 2009. Barbra Acton the executive director of the Childhood League Center in Columbus, Ohio, was the keynote speaker. A prevalent idea in Barbra’s discussion was the importance of valuing children with special rights. The Childhood League Center strongly supports children with special rights and believes that learning progresses mutually among children, peers, teachers, and families. Barbra Acton used The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor throughout her dialogue.

This strategy was a unique way of capturing the audience’s attention, as it emphasized the importance of developing a relationship with children. Barbara used the example of a scarecrow who needed a brain, a tin man who needed a heart, and a lion who needed courage to reach his goal. This metaphor allows an educationalist to realize that love, understanding/wisdom, and courage enhance a child’s developmental process.

 

Furthermore, Barbra emphasized developing a strong relationship with children, as it is a key to better learning. Once we establish a connection with children we are able to communicate with them and consequently, more willing to listen. She stated, “opportunity to listen is possibility to change”. This is so true! We as adults do not realize in the humdrum of our busy schedule, that we must stop and listen to our children. Once we listen to them we understand the world through their perspective. As we build the bridge of communication by listening to our children, we attain a broader perspective and thus become more willing to change our views.

As Barbra spoke of the Reggio  philosophy, which also is implemented in The Childhood League Center, she mentioned the motivating interview with Vea  Vecchi  about communication.  In her interview Vea says , “Children have a very basic need to communicate”. All day, children try their level best to communicate, but sometimes they are misunderstood. As Vea mentioned, “misunderstanding can arise not only through a child’s choice of words, but also through the listener’s expectations of the child”. I agree completely, we do not listen through the perspective of a child. Every child has a desire to love and be loved. We must realize that to know someone requires familiarity with his or her surroundings and what is happening in his or her life. Barbra gave an excellent example of the new British singer, Susan Boyle. When she first stepped onto the stage, people could never believe that she possessed such a beautiful voice. As she started to sing everyone was struck with amazement and enjoyed her melodious song.

Usually people make false judgments about others without considering the many factors affecting their lives. As Barbra showed a series of children’s pictures, she asked the audience to give their view about the child in each picture.  After receiving everyone’s views, she revealed the true circumstances of each child. It was surprising to see the stark contrast between our original opinions and our opinions after knowing the reality of the situation.

The seminar was not only thought provoking, but also a great learning opportunity to understand the language of special rights children. As early childhood educationalists, we must remember along with teaching we do indeed learn from children. Learning and teaching is a reciprocated process between children and adults. As we encourage a child to explore, we also learn from them to become more patient and observant.

Particularly for myself, this seminar revived the importance of documenting and photographing in a series to evaluate a child’s progress over time. I often implement this strategy in my photographic observations, as seen below. ** Additionally, love is a basic need of every child and can do wonders in the progress of special rights children. Out of all the great learning ideas, the idea that I most deeply absorbed was that of improving communication and developing a relationship with a child and his or her environment.

 

 

Journal Entry #4

My interview questions were related with the outdoor and indoor play of children. I wanted to know how children feel and understand about play. I interviewed 12 children so far, aged from 2 1/2 yrs to 7yrs. They were very interested in interviews and anxious to give the interviews, and gave very honest answers. Most of the answers from age 2 1/2 till 3 1/2 yrs old i got is "play is fun, i like to play"."I like to play outside". I did show them their pictures playing out doors as well as doing activities indoors and asked them about their experience of that particular activity.It also gave them a chance to recall the event and it did help in developing their memory skills.

Interview responses of children and Chapter 17 of Handbookk

As i have been reading chapter 6 in " Researching Children's experiences" and some articles how to take Interviews for research data,also chapter 17 in Handbook of Research. I learned the best way of interviewing children nd adults through chapter 6 and how to build up my openended questionnaire for parents and children. I kept in mind that i cannot be abstract or too broad in my interviw. Prior to inteview i made children comfortable and confident by explaining them why i need their opinion about play. as i told them "i want to know your opinion about play ,so i can do things as you like". This really encouraged them to talk about play, and give their opinion. Rather made them anxious to give their opinion. It was interesting to know how much they liked their voice to be heard by an adult, and feel confident when they know their voice/opinion has been acknowledged.I did use during my interview sessions, photoelicitation, and stimulus drawing approaches.As i read chapter 7 in Researchin Children, about Art and Photography. i did use children's views on their pictures playing indoors and out doors.I noted the views as well as observed their reactions seeing the pictures of themselves playing outdoors and indoors and recalling the pleasures they had that particular day/time.i mostly interview my day care children and some of my old students who come and visit me also children of my family members.Most of the children's response i got was ,play is for fun, and i like it outside. answer to my second question most children replied, we like to play on trees and sand boxes,some children did like to play on slides and swings. basically every one of them liked to play active play outdoors.Also through their views i noticed all of them loved to play with their friends and it is important for the development of their social/emotional skills as well as their problem solving skills, besides other developmental skills.
My interviews are stillgoing on, as after giving a little time break of a week or two i want to again continue interviewing my children to see the difference in their responses or do they still think the same. As i was reading in Researching Children, usually the researchers keep in touch with the participant group for some longer time period .But as i am not only depending o exclusively on interviews for my project i use different methods such as observations, photoelicitation,drawings,storytelling and pretend play. These participant children are mostly from my day care and know me as well trust me so i did not have to build a rapport with them. They are comfortable enough to talk with me, only i had to give them the confidence of talking about their feelings on certain issues.Which initially they were confused why i am asking, Don't i know?But after knowing my reason for asking them questions, they were very interested and anxious to answer.

PARENT'S VIEWS OF OUTDOOR PLAY.

As i have been reading articles and journals, and especially for the final presentation i did read bunch of articles and was overwhelmed by the information i gained.I was so excited to use all the knowledge i gained, then lot of my children were sick one after another because of weather.so the continuity of my interview work and its proceedings did delayed.Being their care provider as well as supporter to parents it was getting stressful for me. Along with the pressure of getting behind in my work. Ultimately a thought did come to my mind as Dava mentioned it in class that she asked her friends on net to respond to her thoughts and quite a lot responded. so thanks to Dava for thought provoking idea. I used her idea and also asked parents and friends about their idea of play outdoors and indoors. As most of the adults now-a days provide children with electronic toys and think that is very good and healthy for child's brain stimulation. But actually it is the opposite. As i read some of the articles and it is amazing to know that children who are deprived of outdoor play have more cases of ADHD and obesity. they also show more tantrums and mood swings than children who are exposed to outdoor activities. Few of the parents did attend Elizabeth Goodenough's lecture at OU, they were very excited to share their thoughts , when i asked them what do you think of outdoor play? I have used a questionnaire for the parents. compilation of these interviews are still in progress. i have used the following questionnaire:

1. What do you think by term play?
2. why is play important for children?
3 what kind of play you recommend for children?
4. what do you think of outdoor play vs indoor play?
5. What children should play outside?
6.Do you mind if your children play in dirt and explore nature?
7.Do you think out door play enhance social and emotional development of children?
8. what kind of play you play with your child/ren?
9.What does your child play at home with most?
10.What activities do you do together as family and do you go on picnics/camping as weather permitting?

I am getting very good response on this questionnaire.
parents who attended Elizabeth Goodenough 's lecture do go on camping every yr. They also very highly recommend outdoor exploration of nature for children. They think play is what make a child happy and creative. and opens up his mind and body. It is interesting to know parents point of view about play after knowing children's view.

Deer tracks and deer poop

It was interesting to observe children outdoors and how excited they were on finding that deers are coming near house. As we were talking about animals going in hibernation.When spring comes they wake up and come out of their houses and go find food.In our back yard we go on a nature walk and find all nature stuff there.Some times we think it's cold and there are no trees and nothing outside but ,among all this kind of weather and environment children still do see a lot and find lot of material to explore. We adults have to assist them and provide food for their thoughts. As in this video you will notice one child asks me for my camera and wanted to take pictures of his own choice. So i did give him the camera and he took very nice shots and he always enjoys taking pictures from my camera. he is 3 1/2 yrs old.I hope you all enjoy the deer poop exploration.