When I began sharing art, Yoga, Mindfulness and Reggio-inspired classes on Outschool as an independent virtual educator, this way of teaching quite literally changed my life. Five years later, I’m getting to witness how Outschool is also changing. One of the changes involves Outschool’s use of AI. The AI summarizes each of the Zoom meetingsContinue reading “Virtual Education and AI”
Author Archives: Andrea Dupree
Embracing the Mandorla: Fiber Art that Connects Worlds
Winter 2023 was when I really became enchanted with fiber art. I believe this came from years of being in the company of felt sheets. As an early childhood educator, felt seems like an ever-present material. I’ll share more about the evolution of my work in fiber art in a separate post. Here, I wantContinue reading “Embracing the Mandorla: Fiber Art that Connects Worlds”
…am I back in a blogging mood?!
Maybe? Every couple of years I get re-inspired to share thoughts about my professional/creative practices via words and pictures on a screen. I don’t know if it will stick, but am going to see what happens. Topics will include (but are not limited to) reclaiming feminine power, fiber arts, working as an independent educator, lifeContinue reading “…am I back in a blogging mood?!”
technology as a tool of empowerment for young children
Children are naturally active, empowered protagonists in their relationships with modern technologies. NAEYC/Fred Rogers Center Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media in Early Childhood Programs notes “When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.” Learning spaces and experiences that support child-directed interaction, accompanied by respectfulContinue reading “technology as a tool of empowerment for young children”
Literacy and Early Childhood Education
The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education offers inspiration in so many ways. I’m particularly inspired by the Reggio philosophy of the hundred languages of children and how this shows up in literacy explorations by and for children. (i.e. child-led vs. teacher-led) I recently began offering a new Outschool class, Creating and Experiencing Stories:Continue reading “Literacy and Early Childhood Education”
Technology in Early Childhood Education
Technology in Early Childhood Education is a touchy subject. There’s a lot to unpack in terms of use, access and even what technology is. As an artist and Reggio-inspired early childhood educator/researcher I embrace technology in many forms. Conversely, I sometimes encounter educators who regard technology as a burden. This perspective usually has to doContinue reading “Technology in Early Childhood Education”
Yoga for all
This week I began offering classes through Santa Fe Community Yoga‘s virtual studio (check out their website & blog for some great resources). They are Santa Fe’s only nonprofit yoga studio, with a mission to cultivate holistic well-being through yoga and other mindfulness practices. SFCY offers affordable access to classes and many ways to engageContinue reading “Yoga for all”
Inner Child, Inner Light
In the Yogic tradition the word “Namaste” is often used as an expression of gratitude; a way to say “the light in me sees, honors & appreciates the light in you.” I think of this inner light like our inner child. What would the world be like if everyone remained connected to and honored theirContinue reading “Inner Child, Inner Light”
Learning Environment Design
One of my thesis projects for graduate school invited an exploration in developing and articulating commitments to the design of learning environments. This reflective practice pushed me to look more closely at myself and how I exist alongside the learners in my context of Outschool. Guiding questions included- What do the children and families inContinue reading “Learning Environment Design”
Literacy and the Hundred Languages of Children
I’ve always found joy in reading and writing, and for a long time I associated literacy only with reading and comprehending text. I think this is due to the way the concept of literacy was presented in my PK-12 school experience. In college I expanded my definition of literacy to include computer, design, digital mediaContinue reading “Literacy and the Hundred Languages of Children”