Resources
Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education
I chose to include Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education by Dietze and Kashin because it has significantly shaped my understanding of play-based learning and continues to guide my development as an emerging Early Childhood Educator. This book has been an essential resource throughout my coursework, assignments, and activity planning, particularly because it explains the different types of play like symbolic, cooperative, games with rules, etc. and how they support children’s holistic development. Its strong connection to developmental theories and its emphasis on intentional environments have helped me design experiences that nurture children’s growth, perseverance, and confidence, the values reflected in my teaching philosophy. The text also deepened my understanding of Emergent Curriculum by illustrating how educators can build on children’s evolving interests through meaningful, long-term, indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. I selected this resource because it continues to inform and inspire my practice.
How Does Learning Happen (HDLH)
I chose to include How Does Learning Happen? because it has been one of the most influential frameworks shaping my practice from my first placement to the present. This document has guided how I observe, plan, and respond to children by grounding my curriculum contributions in the four foundations of Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. Using HDLH has helped me design responsive and inclusive experiences that honour children as capable, curious, and active participants in their learning. It has also supported my ability to build meaningful relationships with children and families while creating environments that nurture emotional safety, communication, and authentic engagement. I selected this resource for my portfolio because it continues to guide my decisions as an educator and ensures that my teaching reflects Ontario’s pedagogical values and my own philosophy of child-centred, holistic learning.
Land-based Play and Co-learning through Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing
I chose to include Land-based Play and Co-learning through Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing because it has profoundly influenced my understanding of nature-based learning and Indigenous perspectives since I first encountered it in my third semester. This resource helped me recognize the deep significance of the land and the relationships we form with it, the relationships that extend to our families, ancestors, peers, educators, and all living elements. Through this book, I learned how natural materials such as trees, water, seasons, and animals can be respectfully used to support meaningful, play-based learning. It also taught me the importance of gratitude, reciprocity, and acknowledging the land as an active partner in children’s learning. I selected this resource because it continues to shape my practice, guiding me to create experiences that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and foster children’s connection, curiosity, and respect for the natural world.