Local context is only available when you make it accessible!

We always complain that there is not enough local context when searching for ideas that will eventually work on our tiny island. We often revert to international platforms such as Pinterest, Google, Facebook groups or any other sites that are flooded with ideas that we manage to adapt and apply in our own settings. However... we still moan that there is not enough of local resources available. Be it online, during seminars, events, cope sessions etc... We yearn more local practice to be in the open! My honest thought is that this is all due to our "fear" of not wanting others to "see" our own work. Unfortunately many local individuals are afraid of opening up and share their dos & don'ts. Believe me that is OK, however.... let us keep the ones who do, carry on by disseminating without any nasty judgments.

We tend to complain about not having enough context from the local sector but yet again the little we have are often scrutinized, criticized or judged upon. I for one have my fair share of such events which frankly I'm not peeved about at all (especially the negativity behind each one). While I do get flooded with ample of compliments, encouragements and motivation to keep publishing my work and ideas, I still get the feeling that we need more practices to be exposed. I know I am not the only one out there with ample ideas on how to implement work in a classroom setting and it is evident that every school has their own policies and procedures... BUT... why not share it with others? Schools are now on the rise and have been publishing more content from inside the classroom doors! BRILLIANT, both as an educator and as a parent I thank you for doing so as it is an insight to us all!

The creators in their elements

How many times have we sat down during a COPE, SDP, Curriculum Time, or any other webinars/seminars and thought to ourselves "this is not local practice"? Have you ever thought maybe why? It is difficult to get individuals to talk about and disseminate their successes among others because of: a) one might feel judged as big heads, know it all or even as "the favorite" ones or b) individuals may take their ideas and get credit instead of the original persona.

I for one ignore both & mind neither being name called nor see my ideas being done in different classrooms by educators other than myself. Why? Because that is what we all should be doing! We should all be inspiring one another, accept criticism and work on what is best for our students. Who cares about the he say she say, when there are far more important concepts in our work than our own egos? Can't we all foresee the beauty of sharing practice and move on from there? There is no competition in it all because each and every setting has it's own pros and cons, so let us share them both in the open to learn from the fouls, mistakes, the achievements and successes of one another.

I follow ample individuals both local and foreign ones, but I truly feel closer to the ones sharing their work on a national level. Why? Because we lack of it and we yearn for it! I can go on for days discussing about the moans I hear and how these lead to grudges, self pity or lack of motivation. Instead I am focusing this blog on positive practices and giving you ideas on how we can all benefit from each other's successes.

Let's talk about local context! What and who do you know so far that is inspiring you to be a better you? I have met numerous individuals through my platform, during face to face events and above all through collaborations. Networking with KGE'S, LSE'S, student teachers, EO's, Lecturers, HOD's, SLT's, guardians, and much much more. The latter have led me to be happier and much more motivated, which frankly is all that counts.

No, you don't need social media to promote your good practice but you can promote it at your own school with other colleagues, be a great mentor for others or my absolute favorite be happy for someone else's successes. I frequently get asked if I follow local pages & individuals on social media. Of course I DO.... and YES I get the odd messages and screenshots from individuals reporting to me about this this and that! I honestly can't seem to understand the fuss of it all!

Here are some of the many individuals with whom I have collaborated to bring forward a few examples of good practices. They are not afraid in bringing good practice to the public and are a glimpse of the kind of motivation I search for when I'm on the look out for local practices, ideas and above all inspiration.

Feel free to search them also on social media to start following too should you wish to get inspiring ideas like myself.

The mamas & papas:

We should not under estimate the power of parenthood because as we all know it, they are the initial educators our students would ever have. Lockdowns or not, parents and guardians have been posting endless great practices on how learning could still be essentially meaningful when family support is involved!

Keziah's Makes & Dos

There is no such thing as short of spontaneous growth. Why? Because the learning journey is meaningful and above all memorable. Experiences are big factors in a child's learning adventure.

Baby's First Adventures Malta

A little splash can go a long way, especially if joined by others! Inspired by the simplicity of things that make social events not only playful but also an invitation to spark conversations and relationships.

Nina Daily

Scissoring, painting, pasting, sequencing...you name it and Nina does it, which is why she is someone to watch out for great creative ideas that can easily turn a blank canvas into a colourful one.

Child care settings:

Yes there are ample great ones and one can not simply pick one center that is better than the others. They truly all have something special to offer! These 3 in particular, I enjoy following closely, as I somehow can relate to the work they showcase. I can also take note from and adapt to my own classroom setting.

Peekaboo Early Learning & Child Care Centre

A beautiful representation of how an activity can infuse the senses through natural resources. Not only is such an activity beneficial for child care but it is also essential in the setting I teach in. What is not to love about such a simple yet effective activity?

Samsam childcare centre

Pre-maths in early years? Yes, yes and YES.....this is exactly how it should be done. Tangible, concrete and playful. Young learners empowered through endless possibilities.

San Luigi Childcare Lija

Who doesn't love a bit of mess in an Early Years setting right? Well imagine if this mess is done outdoors with ample of natural resources to bring the roots of play back to basics. What more does one need? Sun, smiles and messy hands to fill our hearts!

Kindergarten settings:

I know this may surprise a few, but unlike to what some may think, I actually do not mind empowering and promoting good practices even of other educators that are in the same line of work as myself. It is how we all grow professionally and I am not afraid to claim that I learn from individuals like the latter too.

𝙰 𝙲𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝙱𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚑

Role play corners are key and they are the right dose to instill curiosity and allow incidental learning to occur without any intrusion or teacher intervention. From costumes to set ups, it is always fascinating to witness a glimpse of what a day is like in another dramatic play area.

A Beautiful Mess

Autonomy.... When the interpretation of one student varies from another is simply intriguing in every aspect. The finger muscles, the creative thoughts, the end result and the vision is always a great way to explore more about the strengths of your students . Everyone has something to bring and stories to tell, which is why individual work should be the pride of every creator.

𝑀𝓈. 𝒯𝒾𝒻𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓎'𝓈 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹

Abstract elements made into concrete learnings are inspiring in every year group, yet alone with a bunch of kindergarteners who are entrusted with educators that go beyond boundaries to make such concepts dynamic and memorable ones for the young ones .All of us are looking in awes and wows with the endless possibilities.

Mama Diaries

The displays that truly are meaningful are the ones that are created by the hands of the little ones yet alone when they bring stories to life in a classroom environment. It is the kind of print we all should be aiming to put up on our walls. Resourceful, meaningful and above all an exhibition of the kind of learning that is constantly evolving.

Cheeky Wanderers

Who doesn't like a tuff or two? ...but what if the tuff is a place to simply enhance social gatherings while still embracing creativity, fine motors, vocabulary and sensory outcomes too? Isn't it a great way how to get everyone together and be part of a community and not just a number?

Early Primary classes:

Early years may begin from birth but it surely doesn't stop at kindergarten ages, so that is why I keep myself involved in knowing what happens after my line of duty. How far can we actually go with young learners? There is no limit and through playful matters, meaningful experiences and above all age appropriate practices, one can easily say that teaching early years is extremely a world of never ending possibilities.

Ms. Chanty's World

A breathe of fresh air is just a small glimpse of what is essential in the early primary settings. Everything else will eventually fall together if the teachings are done in a manner that students engage in. Chalk, pavement and fun with words is a reminder to us all that teachings can be adapted in any setting and on any surfaces.

The Primary Ladder

Never under estimate the power of playdough! Tangible resources make problem solving situations easier to understand. What may be obvious to us all may not necessary be obvious to everyone else, let alone students with knowledge that is rapidly on the growth.

If we are truly lacking in such local context, than I ask why demoralize the ones who are already doing it? The majority of us complain "did you see those examples, they have bigger classrooms, less students, more resources, less hassle, more pay..." etc etc etc but frankly when a local educator posts/shares ANYTHING....it ends up judged upon. We ALL have something to offer and I am a true believer of empowering others, so let's keeping doing it together.

I can say a hundred bad things about my career however I can name a million more that make me fulfilled and happy. Motivation and empowerment are two of my most favorite steps on how I help others like myself grow not only in their profession, but also with their inner strength. The sense of pride I get when I see colleagues success and friends reach their goals, is so profound to me. It is one of the reasons why I enjoy mentoring and reaching out to support others. We need local support from each individual and let the small talk belittle the ones who enjoy it.

If you wish to follow local pages, I recommend to also like the pages of the following groups who share their work with passion and are not afraid of contributing with others. Not only that I make no distinction between parenthood, child care, kindergarten or primary settings because at the end I follow them for inspiration and I am grateful for that!

Hence, that these are the ones I follow HOWEVER I know of other individuals who also share great practices and do not own a website, Facebook page or group! Kudos to all of you for inspiring others!

If you too are so keen about Early Years and wish to share your work with others, feel free to post a comment or send me your details so we can keep the cycle going. You do not need a social media account or a page of your own, but we just need your expertise in making the Early Years shine brighter than what it already is!

We need more of you xxx