Pedagogical Documentation
Making visible the learning and creativity of children and youth
YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford
Seeing…
Documentation by Abby Bothen
YMCA BTB – Emily C General Elementary School
Emily C General Elementary School Onondaga Rd, Ohsweken N0A 1M0
Visual arts is not only about what the child depicts on paper, but it is the exploration of materials, and new discoveries while using them…
This week was not only about tracing what we saw, but using our imaginations to depict scenes that are important to us. The school age children at Emily C explored their rooms through their cardboard frames and traced what they saw, and also what lived in their minds and memories.
One child depicted a starry night sky using dark blue and bright yellow. When they were done, the child invited themselves to experiment with their final creation around the room.This invitation generated new discoveries and experiments…We then discovered that, when we shone a flashlight through their work, the shadow of the stars reflected on the wall inside the classroom!
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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.