The Power of Joy and Authenticity

"I suspect it's hard for children to believe that learning is exciting and worthwhile unless the adults in their lives actually value and enjoy learning themselves. Years ago, studying to be an educator, I had no idea that the most impressive lessons I'd be delivering would come from the way I lived my own life. But that turned out to be the case. Children know authenticity when they see it, and they know pretense. They undoubtedly saw some of both in me," writes Nancy Rosenow in the book, Heart-Centered Teaching.

In Complementary Curriculum Approach, Lisa Porter Kuh and Iris Chin Ponte link joy and authenticity by describing how to "align your beliefs with actual practices to bring joy and intention to your work and to children’s lives." They offer four intentional practices based on the work of John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Lev Vygotsky and Loris Malaguzzi which revolve around structuring the environment, designing learning experiences, offering materials and establishing routines in ways that create a settled classroom.

"Each person will have their own entry point to working with the Four Intentions and will focus on one or multiple intentions over time in new ways...Our hope is that it helps you become the teacher you want to be, moving through the intentions to strengthen your unique voice and practice, to designing the environment and crafting experiences that inspire and energize your classroom. The Complementary Curriculum Approach paves the way for meaningful, joyful engagement for children, and for you."

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