Pedagogical Documentation
Making visible the learning and creativity of children and youth
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres
Maps
Documentation by Abby Bothen
HWCCCC – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School 1624 Centre Rd, Carlisle L8B 1H4
The intention was a scent map, however the outcome turned into something much more meaningful and independent to this group… instead of scent, we worked with memory and the identity of their town!
After the activity had been introduced, the children began mapping Carlisle. They included meaningful homes, restaurants, farms, fields and buildings.
Suddenly, one of the children had another purpose for mapping: “I want to make my own map because my mom is always wondering how to get to my best friend’s house!”
Suddenly the map wasn’t a simple representation, but it was a relationship between two best friends.
This child transformed this activity and inspired others to map their homes to places important to them, whether that be to their families house, stores they like, or even neighbouring towns!
This map became their way of seeing their town, its identity, and visually connecting the things that are meaningful to them.
Loading process gallery.
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.