About Catherine

Learning about gem's reflective qualities as they sparkle on the blocks 

New Beginnings 

I have been an early childhood educator for over a decade and have always wanted to start a blog to share my thoughts, wonderings, and perspectives. However, my nervousness about posting my reflections, whether they would make sense for others or be good enough, and my perfectionism had stopped me from posting years ago. It was my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Brock University that helped me grow. My thesis work, along with many inspiring people in my life, led me to create this blog. 

Background 

My experiences with children began early, in my mom's day home, with a large extended family that met in the local community hall for Thanksgiving, and volunteering at a child care centre with my friend. Since childhood, I have loved learning and aspired to become a teacher. Post-secondary education has further instilled in me a love for lifelong professional learning, research, reflection, and reading. There is much to learn in early childhood, which is forever evolving with new research. Keeping current in the field through reflection and learning in many forms is a way to continually improve my practices with young children.

Professional learning continued as I directed a childcare centre and was involved in many opportunities, including Outdoor Play Training, RIE certification, Flight: Alberta Early Learning and Care Framework course, and Hygge Early Years Accreditation. I also created videos about responsive environments to share with others in ARCQE's Supporting Curriculum Practice Series and completed my Wonder-led Approach Educator Certification. 

In Practice

To describe myself as an educator, I have a playful and seeking disposition to learn (Makovichuk et al., 2014). Reading with children is one of my favourite activities, as pictured, even outdoors. I have fond memories of my mom sharing the joy of books with my sister and me as young children every night. I continue creating a culture of literacy in the environments in which I work. I am also an advocate for messy and outdoor play and enjoy incorporating these experiences for children. 

Reading outdoors against a log

Messy play experiences

Outside of work and school, I enjoy artistry (felting, painting, drawing), going for nature walks, gardening, cooking, baking, decorating cakes, and creating and sourcing treasures for children's wonder baskets.

Thank you to everyone who visits my blog. I hope my stories will make a difference for you, your colleagues, the families you work with, and the children.