“Process over product”. We hear that phrase frequently in early childhood, most often referring to the perspective that the process of participating in the creative process is more important to a child’s development than the craft-factory product we may be tempted to focus on.
Recently, advocate and author, Rae Pica, asked me to discuss whether we could apply this perspective to more than just art.
What happens when we focus on valuing the process in the entire classroom? What does that look like when it comes to areas like literacy and numeracy?
Certainly, the product is also important. We aren’t talking about an either/or proposition. Both are important components of the learning equation. At the same time, without intention, the path of least resistance today leads to an overemphasis on product.
As always, this conversation with Rae was fast-paced and thought-provoking. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the topic!
You can listen to our discussion on BAM! Radio Network, here.
I’m an early childhood teacher and I absolutely believe this can apply to more than just Art. I think about a child attempting to use a climbing frame for the first time. We jump in and help them down because they can’t reach the top, but the climbing onto the first rung, or reaching up to hold onto the first rung (the process of the climb) is just as important as reaching the top. Let’s celebrate the whole process it takes to learn something new.
Absolutely!