Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world with the world and each other.
—Paulo Freire, educator and philosopher
When I think about the word invention, thoughts of scientists, discoveries, devices, contraptions, gadgets, and designs come to mind. Who are inventors? What nurtured their thought processes and way of being and seeing the world? How did teachers foster their creativity, imagination, ingenuity, and inventiveness? What materials were they allowed to explore? How much time do you spend playing, mulling, and inventing? What kinds of open-ended materials do you offer children for inventing, building, and designing? How much time do the children in your care have for immersing in play and interests of their own choosing? Can you invent ways to allow children long uninterrupted time? Are you open to re-inventing your own thought process about what a teacher’s role might look like?
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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