An Early Childhood Educator in Fergus earned the Prime Minister’s award for Early Childhood Education.
Barb Henneberry teaches at the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington. She says a big part of her philosophy when it comes to teaching three to four-year-old children is to get them out into nature and help them develop empathy and mindfulness.
That includes tending a community garden where Henneberry says the kids take the lead.
“We give them lots of choices about what does the garden look like, and things like that,” explained Henneberry. “‘Do you feel it needs watered? Why?’ We ask a lot of open ended questions, ‘Why do you feel it it needs water.’ They usually say ‘The earth is dry, Barbie.’ So they are taking that upon themselves.”
Barb Henneberry involves her young charges with the care of the community garden. Photo by Kate Stockmann.
Henneberry further strengthens that connection with nature by taking the children to a neighbouring woodlot – or “The Forest” – as the children call it. She has the children do some breathing exercises and practice mindfulness when they first get there. She told the story of one boy in particular to emphasize the impact those visits have on the children.
“He’s been going to the forest for a bit now,” Henneberry said. “This particular day we had a little guy go up to a particular spot, his log, and he looks up into the tree and he says ‘I’m home.'”
A media release says Hennebery was honoured for her leadership, exemplary early childhood education practices, and commitment to help build the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.
Her bio on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada webpage highlighted her commitment to involving parents, families, and the community. Henneberry “organizes dinner nights, picnics and crafting activities” that give “the families a chance to know their children’s learning environments and children can feel pride in showing their families what they have accomplished and learned.”
Henneberry says the children are actively involved in planning and preparing the spaghetti dinner they share with their families.
