Further information
Background
Botany Downs Kindergarten opened in 1976. The kindergarten is enriched by its cultural diversity (14 ethnicities are represented) and feeds eleven schools in the Howick area. The children currently start kindergarten just before three and a half. At this point in time we have four children identified with special educational needs, with two Education Support Workers working in the morning session. The kindergarten has a strong relationship with Group Special Education (Pakuranga).
Centres of Innovation (COI) research questions
- How does an inclusive environment enhance the learning of all children?
- How do visual communication tools invite and extend engagement with children and their families?
- How do we support children in their journey from dependency to self efficacy?
Central to the research is the kindergarten’s definition of inclusion. When Botany Downs Kindergarten teachers talk about inclusion they are talking about the inclusion of all children, including those who have additional educational needs. The teachers believe that the principles of working with children are the same; they are all individuals with strengths and abilities that can be nurtured, challenged and developed. It is recognised that all children and their families come to kindergarten with a history, a history that needs to be embraced and enhanced.
Research update
Following the granting of ethical approval, the research team set out gathering preliminary background data. What were the inclusive practices that were already in place? Many hours were spent examining and documenting current practice with regards to first contact with parents, the first day, the first week, the first month and ongoing practices. This stage was called 'documenting for inclusion'.
A paper on this topic will be added to this website in 2008. In this cycle of research, the research team chose to focus on the role of portfolios, as they decided that these personal documents were the first tool of inclusion experienced by the children and their families. The families were asked via a survey what they engaged with in their child’s portfolio. A question was also asked about the children’s digital portfolios. Results showed that the families wanted to know what their child did at kindergarten, what their child was learning, and who their child associated with. Parents also made comments about valuing the teachers.
The children were then interviewed to see what engaged them most with their portfolios. Those which had contributions from home nearly all chose those contributions as their favourite part. They also chose what we call the 'familiar' activities that were documented—their birthday, the turtle’s birthday, and group activities.
Additional information was sought from the entry and exit interviews, and by inviting children who are now at school to say what made them feel included during their time at kindergarten.
The second question regarding visual communication tools was explored by capturing and documenting moments of inclusion as they arose in the kindergarten programme. Visual communication tools are not new to Botany Downs Kindergarten. The teachers began a conscious move towards 'visualing' the environment after working with Vanessa Geel and children with autistic spectrum disorder. This focus has gained momentum as the visual communication options expand as the range of sociocultural tools of this generation of children expands. Use of ICT tools are deeply embedded in the programme: portfolios, digital portfolios, internet blog, email, text, PowerPoint slides using the DataShow projector, DVD, TV, cameras, video cameras, computers, scanners, and laminators and binders.
Researching the third question involves tracking children as they experience moments where they move from dependency through social competence to self efficacy. Stories are captured that recognise the learning that has come before and indicates the learning that will continue.
Visitors to Botany Downs Kindergarten COI
Visitors are welcome. Please email the kindergarten to arrange a date: bdownskindy@xtra.co.nz
Large groups of visitors can be accommodated only in the evenings or weekends and with prior notice.