Routes and Roots

While meeting with Margy yesterday the idea of roots (where I am from) and routes (where I have been and where I am going) came up. I have been reflecting on this a lot today, especially as I am returning to the land of my Great-Great-grandparents in South West Scotland while I am on this side of the planet.
Since arriving in Corby, I have heard of the rich Scottish connection and how many people came to Corby in the 40's and 50's to work here. People at the laundrette were really friendly and gave me a history lesson while my clothes washed and dried.
My family emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand in the late 1800's to find prosperity and make a new start - for much the same reasons people from Scotland came to Corby as I understand it. There is a Scottish connection that I find intriguing. For many years I have anticipated coming to Pen Green - it has been on my bucket list for a while (up there with Reggio Emilia) not realizing the strong connection to Scotland. This blows my mind!! Roots and Routes for sure!!

Arriving@Pen Green Centre

After a brisk walk in the sunshine, I arrived at Pen Green Centre. As I travel around to talk with teachers and leaders, it is encouraging to discover that the issues we are confronting in AotearoaNZ are similar to the tensions and challenges the sector is facing around the world. You would not believe how universal our challenges are!

I like the cut away line 'for children and their families'

 The gate displays a welcome sign - how familiar is this to what we display in our services. Greetings at the gate as the first indicator that 'you are welcome here'. 

The environment is open and inviting. I started with a tour around the centres with Rebecca and a group from the Netherlands. The children are so used to the visitors moving around the environment - the children walk through the groups confidently, knowing the adults will part to let them through. We did not go into the infant and toddler spaces as it is not appropriate for groups of adults to enter that space.

 There were three groups touring the centres today and we all got together for a presentation outlining some of the foundational principles of the Pen Green approach to early years education...see next post.

There is so much going on there....early years education, teacher training, parent support, professional development, social service support...and I am sure there are things I have not remembered. There are many layers to Pen Green - it is so much more than a setting for early years education.

The games have begun...

The study tour is well under way. I had a bit of drama yesterday...downloaded all my photos...or at least thought I had and they were not there..let's just say I was not attractive when I discovered this after deleting them off my camera.
I have been back today and taken more photos...and has probably worked out for the better.

The packing has begun...

Thanks everyone for the farewell this morning and encouragement for my adventure. This is such a great opportunity and I will make the most of it....promise!!!  I think my bag will stand out on the carousel....thanks Nicky Dowling for your advice not to do a red or black case.....it was a no-brainer to go for purple and pink!!!

Decisions decisions....what to pack? I think I am doing pretty well considering I have a desire to take my whole wardrobe...I am away for 10 weeks after all.  Check out my efforts so far...

These are some of the gifts I am taking to help people remember me...

This is the hardest bit to decide on....outfits!!!! HELP!!!!

Not long to go now...

Only a few days to go now until I leave for my big adventure thanks to the Margaret Blackwell Scholarship. I leave on Friday 4 April, returning in mid June. If you are interested in tracking me while I am away, this is the space to find information. I will post here to share my experiences with you in real time.
Look out Reggio Emilia - here I come....