Inktober Day 03 – #edublogsclub mashup

Today’s #edublogsclub prompt is World Teachers’ Day. Typically the first #edublogsclub/brightinktober crossover post is something I’d find difficult to draw. I’ve written about my favourite teacher, Wendy Ashall, before so I decided to talk more about my early years workshop with Octopus Inc. I took the workshop a week after withdrawing from my HOAD degree.

The workshop involved taking part in multisensory activities and I found it fascinating to think about play as a tool for learning. I originally feared working with babies and toddlers, which sounds odd (I know), because I didn’t think I could guide/encourage them without become some type of leader. I prefer learning without a hierarchy. And I didn’t think that could happen without clear communication.

But it turns out that babies are pretty cool anarchists. I enjoyed working with them and let them guide me with their play. I was aware of their personal space and accepted that we communicated differently. Miscommunication is likely to happen – I don’t need to beat myself up about it. I learn. They learn.

In case you’re wondering about the image, it’s a bunny finger puppet from a chest of drawers in a multisensory tent.