Pedagogical Narrations and the Early Learning and Care Diploma Program at Camosun College

In many courses in both year one and year two of the ELC Diploma Program, students are asked to take photos to document children’s ordinary moments and children’s responses to opportunities that they have arranged for the children in their practicum settings.

Students create ‘Pedagogical Narrations’ which include the photos and also identify what the children say and do while interacting with the props, materials and other children. The photos with the written information are shared with the children first. The children’s comments are added to the narrations and then the photos, with the children’s comments, are shared with families and ECE staff for further comments. All photos and comments focus on the children’s interests, creative ideas and positive social interactions.

The British Columbia Early Learning Framework companion document: Understanding the Early Learning Framework: From theory to practice, describes the “what” of pedagogical narration as: “the process of observing, recording and, individually and collectively, interpreting a series of related ordinary moments in [your] practice” (p. 13). The “Why” states that “pedagogical narration makes children’s learning visible and helps us to reflect upon the educator’s practices”. (p.13).

Students write short summaries for assignments of what the children are doing or they may write about what they think the children are doing and learning in the centre. This process assists students in learning how to observe children, how to use observations to understand children and how to critically reflect upon their practice. This process also teaches students how to evaluate observations for program planning, a skill that is needed for working as an early childhood educator.

The process of creating pedagogical narrations of ordinary moments of children is recommended by Understanding the Early Learning Framework as “a practical, effective tool for working with the Framework” (p. 13). The pedagogical narration is a tool to provoke dialogue and reflective practice. The photos allow us to pause and to exchange ideas that can inform our work with young children.

Camosun College ELC Diploma Program believes this process strengthens the novice Early Learning and Care student’s skills and practice.