About Joyce
ACTIVE learning is the key to enjoying learning at home or in school. I hope you find some inspiration from my blogs on how to work with the young and old to initiate CURIOSITY, encourage DISCOVERY and ultimately get them ENGAGED for a positive learning experience.
My road to early learning started in 1981 when I started a 15-year long season of state licensed childcare in my home. My first born was 11 months old and I wanted to be home with her but needed to help support our household. Living in a 950 square foot home brought limitations and birthed creativity. I continued for several more years through the birth of two more sons.
When I realized that I really enjoyed interacting with children and the creativity used to implement lesson plans, I decided to enroll in the local community college toward a Early Childhood Education degree. Seven years later (I know it was a TWO-year degree), I entered the classroom of a preschool where I was trained in the HIGHSCOPE approach (an active learning curriculum).
Through out the next 27 years of teaching I taught preschool in many different situations (Christian school, Cooperative, Homeless shelter, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and summertime Nanny jobs.) These are the years that I leaned into the HIGHSCOPE approach that shaped me and my view of early learning.
I am enjoying retirement with my husband of 50 years. We enjoy volunteering at our church in the Music and Children’s Ministry, traveling, working on home projects and visiting our 3 children and their families who live far away from our Michigan home.
My hope is no matter why you are checking me out…you have a formal classroom, a cozy living room or a church-based program…you will find encouragement and a new view of learning. Thanks for stopping by, I’m so glad you did!