This month has brought a great deal of professional soul searching. I have nearly completed my first year as director, attended a state professional conference, and struggled with my own child’s education. Whew…
Among the most exciting event was finding another role model in Early Childhood Education. Long have I admired the women who know every children’s song, play the guitar, and have the recipe to EVERYTHING memorized. They know every children’s book ever written and can read it upside down. They also never seem rushed or flustered. As much as I admire them, I seriously doubt I will ever be that woman. However, at the Ohio Early Care and Education Conference I was lucky enough to attend a talk given by the Ooey Gooey Lady. Now that is someone I can aspire to be!
Her basic tenants are that it is OK to be messy, have freedom to explore their environment, expand on children’s interests, being a facilitator that gets materials for kids-doesn’t pre-plan and pre-cut everything for the kids. While she is a very enthusiastic and entertaining presenter, Lisa Murphy (aka Ooey Gooey Lady) also has a vast amount of research and experience behind her mantra. I’m still exploring, but here is a taste-enjoy, let go, and have fun with your kids!
Pondering #1: Where did you play when you were little??
Pondering #2: What were some of the characteristics of this play place? Was there privacy? Independence? Who designed it? Who set it up? What kind of materials or objects did you have? Who played there with you? Where were the adults?
Pondering #3: Could you go back there today?
From http://www.ooeygooey.com/handouts/outside workshop handout.pdf
Here is Lisa Murphy’s full website http://www.ooeygooey.com/
Director of Curriculum
First School
