Freshmen Education students in ED108: Learning Experiences for Young Children learned how to connect information from three sources using the ChalkTalk strategy. The class used journal articles to investigate three different preschool philosophies. In pairs, the students first discussed the purpose and key points of their assigned article. Then each student individually summarized what they learned. Afterward, they connected something from their learning to that of another student in the class. Finally, the students analyzed similarities and differences, making notes of their findings. Students found that the preschool philosophies were all founded on concepts of exploration, child needs, real world connections, communication, and community/family involvement. The ChalkTalk strategy is an engaging way to encourage thoughtful observations and offer opportunities to discuss topics using visual thinking.
Submitted by Barbara Lutz
