Structures and Processes Used in the Working Groups
Structure / Process Purposes Examples from the Data Sources
Sharing playful learning moments
Connecting; building community within the working group; inspiring curriculum content
A group member shared,“ The workshop was the epitome of playful. Toddler teachers were able to be together, be united— all here for children. It was great to see them interacting”( Educator Working Group, March 21, 2023).
Jamboard( digital whiteboard)
Brainstorming curriculum ideas; quickly eliciting responses from everyone in the group about a question, puzzle, or debate
We used Jamboard to explore ideas for creating a daily schedule for the curriculum( Educator Working Group, October 4, 2022).
Ladder of Feedback protocol( Making Learning Visible, n. d.)
Eliciting feedback
To elicit feedback on a curriculum draft document through a structured but simple process, we used the following protocol:
1. Clarifying questions 2. Appreciations 3. Concerns / suggestions
We used the Ladder of Feedback for eliciting feedback on the All About Us Exploration( Critical Friends Working Group, March 28, 2023).
Circle order for whole-group discussions
Ensuring all voices are heard
Suggestions that emerged from discussion about core ideas to be embedded in the curriculum, using a circle order, included:
› Group Member A: Importance of flexibility combined with support for educators
› Group Member B: Organizing around“ big ideas”( natural phenomena, schemas, explorations) › Group Member C: Offering multiple pathways › Group Member D: Training teachers as researchers
( Critical Friends Working Group, August 30, 2022).
Small-group conversations with note taking
Brainstorming
In small groups( of 2 – 4 people), we brainstormed ideas for each Exploration, such as Nature All Around Us( Educator Working Group, February 7, 2023).
Stars and wishes( reflections at the end of meetings about what we thought went well and wishes for the future)
Reflection and sharing among working group members
One group member shared,“ I appreciated the creativity, loved getting to see ideas fed back to us— seeing what we did.”( Critical Friends Working Group, June 13, 2023).
A group member shared,“[ My ] wish: To be mindful that it is a pilot and can be adapted— not just put down something on the paper just to have it”( Educator Working Group, December 13, 2022).
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