References 1. Harold, K.G., Aw, A.E, Williams, J., (2018) Mind Fit. 2. Carraher, E, Smith R.E., Delisle, P., (2017) Leading Collaborative Architectural Practice. 3. RIBA (2020) Handbook of Practice Management. 4. Bunting, M., (2016) The Mindful Leader. Phil and Tiffany Smith, owners of Collingridge and Smith Architects (CASA), have specialised in designing world-class education architecture for over 20 years in NZ, Australia and the UK. They believe in creating beautiful human spaces based on research that brings together architecture and evolutionary psychology. They have been recognised for their achievements in sustainable early childhood architecture with their designs achieving many local and international awards for centres including Three Trees Learning Centre, Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre, Fantails Childcare, Chrysalis Early Learning Centre, Kristin Early Learning, New Shoots Children's Centres and Te Mirumiru Childhood Education Centre. Website: www.casa-uk.com Look to create spaces that enable natural interactions that encourages continuous knowledge sharing between teachers, children and parents (Kakapo Creek, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Photography and playground equipment from Learning Spaces Global). Encourage those receiving knowledge to hold a beginner’s mindset. This supports us no matter what age, to be comfortable with not yet knowing, just like a child learning to hold a pencil or ride a bike. In a beginner’s mindset we rediscover our innocence while still maintaining access to our experience and wisdom. It is a beautiful and powerful combination4. Look for knowledge sharing opportunities and moments within the centre’s daily activities, for example: ● At team meetings, encourage everyone to share a learning they have had since the last team meeting. It can take a while for people to remember to bring their learning and be comfortable with sharing a learning so be patient, be encouraging and be constant. ● Assign a new person a buddy, someone they can turn to for those everyday questions. ● Support a mentoring programme that also encourages reverse mentoring ~ where a junior team member is encouraged to share their knowledge and skills with a more senior member. ● Look to your team to share their knowledge at your next CPD lesson. ● Ensure the staffroom is welcoming and encourages a sense of community amongst the team. March 2022 { 22 }
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=