Pedagogical Documentation

Making visible the learning and creativity of children and youth

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YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford

Butterflies Around The School

Documentation by Emma Daw

YMCA Kinder – Spring Valley School

Spring Valley YMCA Child Care Centre Address: 99 Dunham Dr, Ancaster L9G 1X7

Gallery

On the week of imaging the children were prompted with drawing and saying what things they would like to see around their school. Things that make them happy, or even things that they think would make the neighbourhood safer! I split my group in two and I noticed that consistently throughout both of my groups drew butterflies, in the garden, on the windows, so we came up with the idea of a butterfly garden to attract the butterflies.

This to me is a great example of how listening to the children can actually be used as advocacy to support their ideas. With this information maybe in time this is something that we could hopefully see designed around the school!

Why We Document

Pedagogical Documentation breathes life into Artasia, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories of creativity, resilience, and connection. It’s more than a record—it’s a celebration of the sparks of imagination that light up each child’s eyes, the bravery of parents stepping into new experiences, and the beauty of communities coming together through art. By capturing these moments, we not only honour the voices, dreams, and discoveries of our participants but also weave a narrative that inspires others. Documentation allows us to reflect on the magic we’ve created together, fuels our passion for what’s possible, and ensures that every joyful collaboration, every burst of color, and every heartfelt expression is remembered and cherished. It keeps the spirit of Artasia alive, inspiring us to dream bigger, reach further, and continue making art together.