Pedagogical Documentation is an essential working method in early childhood education and it guarantees  the best possible learning path for all children.

Simply, Pedagogical Documentation is observing for example children’s play, projects, discussions, ideas and inventions via taking photos, making notes, writing down explanations as well as tricky questions, saving artwork, videoing action, recording voice...and using all the documents purposefully. What makes documentation Pedagogical Documentation is the idea that educators use the documents wisely - reflect on them and modify their planning and teaching accordingly (Katz & Chard 1996.)

Co-operating with a child's family is one the most important matters in early childhood education. Parents know their child best, therefore their input, knowledge and views concerning their child are crucial. Both educators and the family are interested in the best of the child, so you are on the same boat.

Especially when the child is starting his journey in early childhood education, family's insight is priceless. Family can give educators important knowledge, for example about the child's interests, acquired skills, fears and routines. In the beginning it is good to ask the family to fill a Child Resume so that you get all those meaningful pieces of information that may help you a lot during the child's adjustment time.

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When the child is starting in early childhood education, also families are desperate for information how everything is going. Then it is good to have a clear system how educators inform families efficiently and without spending too much time on writing notes, messages and emails. Keep in mind that every photo or video of the child's day will delight the parents minds!

Children usually love getting creative! You can use all kinds of easy-to-get materials for an activity, for example recycled cereal boxes, newspapers, toilet paper rolls… Nevertheless, there are couple of things to consider before letting the kids go wild!

1. Prepare materials - Materials used for art activities can be basically anything. Recycled materials are always a good choice. You can use for example: recycled cereal boxes, newspapers, toilet paper rolls, jars, cardboard boxes, odd mittens, pieces of broken toys or clothes, natural materials and anything you can find around!

2. Choose methods – Are the children interested in painting, cutting, sticking, coloring..? Choose the needed equipment accordingly, taking also the children’s developmental levels into account. It is good to give children various opportunities to explore different kind of methods and tools.