Paradigm Project Fourth Annual Conference

So much of teaching is improvisational. So many meaningful moments come from the unexpected, that which takes us by surprise. Finding a ladybug in the garden, for example, can lead to a myriad of questions, observations, conversations, songs, stories, games, etc. This is the heart of emergent curriculum.  But do we know how to intentionally create and allow space for the unexpected? Can we recognize the moments that amaze the child? Do we know how to expand a single moment into more moments for organic inquiry? Do we know how to slow down? When and how to change our plan? Or are we burnt out from the day to day? Are we spending most of our day supporting children through conflict resolution? Are we just trying to get children from one scheduled activity to the next? How can we create a classroom that embraces spontaneous opportunities for learning? How can we plan for the unplanned? How can we teach not only in the moment, but for the moment?