Learning Gatherings
Each month, the Quality Team from Children Services brings together pedagogical leaders from across Greater Sudbury to learn, connect and reflect in order to support pedagogical leaders deliver high quality services in their programs.
Summary of Year One Gatherings
Gathering 1
During our first gathering, we created a shared agreement of how we would come together. Pedagogical leaders were invited to use loose parts to represent themselves, and we reflected on what supports they needed in order to flourish and thrive within this new role.
Gathering 2
During our second gathering, we reflected on the dispositions of a pedagogical leader. Pedagogical leaders were then invited to pair up and find items or take photos that represented some of the dispositions discussed. We also played a game (the umbrella game) where pedagogical leaders identified what they do within their role.
Gathering 3
Throughout each of our gatherings we participated in icebreakers to get to know each other and build relationships. During our third gathering, we shared our thoughts on questions presented through the flip of a dice. We also answered reflective questions through a game of Giant Jenga.
Gathering 4
During our fourth gathering, we had some community partners join us. Jim Eshkawkogan, from Better Beginnings Better Futures offered us Indigenous and human teachings. Sandra Migwans, one of our pedagogical leaders lead us through a medicine walk, smudging and creating tobacco pouches. Sharon Speir and Julie Kelly, from Early Childhood Creative Collaborations (ECCCo) facilitated an article study and a mini atelier through the manipulation of materials and a mark making experience.
Gathering 5
During our fifth gathering, we explored what it meant to be a facilitator and our role within a community of practice. Pedagogical leaders had the opportunity to sit together, one on one, and discuss their individual work. We unpacked the importance and meaning of pivoting.
Gathering 6
Our sixth gathering consisted of a show and share. Pedagogical leaders were invited to showcase some of the work and projects they were engaged in. Some brought work to display while others facilitated a conversation or activity.
Gathering 7
During our seventh gathering, pedagogical leaders were given the opportunity to immerse themselves into play with loose parts and document their experience. We also created a sharing circle where there were opportunities to discuss various ways to document lived experiences.
Gathering 8
During our eighth gathering, pedagogical leaders were invited to bring and display a provocation for the group to explore. There was an opportunity for the pedagogical leaders to observe each other during play and document their findings. We also had an in-depth conversation about what each of them brought and their intentions behind it.
Gathering 9
During our ninth gathering, after some deep reflecting, a fun filled afternoon of activities was planned and facilitated by Brandy, Jilian and Sam. While keeping an inspiring word in mind to help lead us through the new year, we decorated an ornament and went on a collaborative photo scavenger hunt.
Gathering 10
During our tenth gathering, Jeanette, Desneige, and Kanah from the Indigenous-led Program at Better Beginnings Better Futures led us in a welcoming song and shared teachings about hand drumming. Pedagogical leaders were invited to join the drumming circle. We had a discussion on what it means to have a growth mindset and the power of yet. Pedagogical leaders also revisited the documentation “What Does It Mean to Be a Pedagogical Leader?” and linked it to their current practices and experiences.
Gathering 11
During our eleventh gathering, we reflected on a video that talked about focusing on the good and filling your cup with positivity. We then shared what has brought us joy. We continued our previous reflection from Gathering 9 and unpacked our thinking from the Think, Feel, Act videos on Pedagogical Leadership. Pedagogical leaders were also given the space and time to plan and prepare documentation for this project’s celebration.
