Pretty Is Not the Point: The Aesthetics of Resistance in Early Childhood

• In Event: 67.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 14 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 67.070-9 - Troubling, Resisting, and Rethinking Static Narratives of Gender

Abstract

How does environment shape children’s thinking and learning? How might aesthetics ignite children as political beings? Situated in a time of fear and discord, it is essential that educators seek opportunities to frame young children as critical thinkers and questioners of the world. What are the spaces that promote these kinds of resistance for children? This presentation problematizes the ways aesthetics and environment offer support and inspiration for young children’s socio-political work. Through narrative research, this presentation looks closely at two urban preschool settings, interrogating the roles of aesthetics and the ways these perspectives ignite critical work for young children.

Authors

• Heather J. Pinedo-Burns, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Dana Frantz Bentley, Buckingham Browne and Nichols School