Bridging Research and Practice

"My research shows that the well-known benefits of learning through the arts are enhanced further when arts media are used as a means of expression for place stories that provide children with experiences of the animal, plant, and insect life of the area in which they live," writes Kumara Ward, of Western Sydney University in the new "Bridging Research and Practice" feature in Exchange magazine. Dr. Ward’s description of her research in her article, "The Arts and Sustainability: Econnection in Early Childhood" is followed by a response from Michelle Rupiper, a member of the Exchange Advisory Team for the new feature. Dr. Rupiper provides ideas for how this research can be put into practice by administrators and professors and shared with families. Here’s one example she gives of how to involve families with the research findings:

"Think about how to display children's creative work when hosting family events. Importantly, educators can learn from families as well. This sharing could happen when families are invited to 'show and tell' their nature stories during greeting or dismissal time. Families could also be encouraged to collect nature items such as sticks or shells from the places they play together and bring them to school to share." 

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