Pedagogical Documentation
Making visible the learning and creativity of children and youth
Jamesville Bennetto Early Learning and Child Care Centre
Sound
Documentation by Sophie Hewitt
JB – Bennetto School — PM
Bennetto Elementary School 47 Simcoe St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3N2
The kindergarten group had some unexpected guesses for the sounds we presented them. A loud air conditioner fan we recorded was listened to, and the children heard ants crawling. A recording of birds chirping and birdseed being thrown on the ground was heard as eggs cracking.
Their unique perspective on what they were hearing demonstrated the depth of their inner worlds— their interpretation of the air conditioner fan as a “crowd of ants walking” was completely unexpected, and brought about discussion on how many ants would be needed to make that sound, where they were going, etc. They interpreted the sounds of birdseed hitting the ground as baby birds emerging from their eggshells, unknowingly linking the food those birds ate to the creation of new life. Their understanding of the world around them was shown to us through these discussions, and led to a greater comprehension between us artist educators and the children.
Witnessing the way they could take a mundane, everyday sound, and turn it into a story about ants, or roaring dinosaurs, or trees falling in a storm, was intriguing and inspiring. It proved to us that children’s voices contain more than one might expect.
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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.