Process

From: Anne Wharff
Email: anne.wharff@illinois.gov
Date: June 04, 2008

Comments

Hello! I work for the IL Dept of Human Services in Springfield and my primary responsibilities are various ECE professional development initiatives, like Gateways to Opportunity.

Tanya's comments about remembering a 5th grade teacher better than a high school teacher reminded of what I've observed as my niece and nephew journeyed through the school system. Their elementary experience was rich with integrated learning and the project approach. In the middle of Iowa, they learned about being under the sea, made swords out of papermache and generally enjoyed learning. I could hear it in their voices when we talked about it. As they entered middle school and high school, learning became much more about the information...and their reactions to learning changed. We didn't have animated conversations anymore.

So, if for no other reason than the joy of life long learning, we must be mindful of the process of learning as we plan programs for young children. I believe, it may be the product.