"Acorn is a fertile ground where learning and teaching take root, cultivating innovation and growth."
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Welcome to Acorn Collaborative!
Welcome to a dedicated space where educators can find inspiration and support. Here, you'll discover a wide array of resources and tools designed to spark exploration, encourage creative expression, and promote investigative learning. Our platform is committed to helping you create enriching environments and experiences that nurture young minds, empowering them to explore the world around them with curiosity and confidence.
Established in 2003 in Ontario, Canada, Acorn Collaborative has been engaged with the community through professional networking across Canada, the US, and internationally. We foster a collaborative spirit that transcends borders, partnering with programs to create innovative learning experiences and build meaningful connections.
About Me
Rosalba Bortolotti, Founder of Acorn School and Acorn Collaborative
Shaping Early Childhood Education Through Collaborative Inquiry
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, I'm a pedagogist and an active part of the The Pedagogist Network of Ontario.My work is driven by a deep commitment to elevating children's voices and rethinking educational practices. I've also contributed to the profession by educating and mentoring future early childhood professionals in college programs.
As the owner and pedagogical coordinator of Acorn School (2004-2015), a Reggio Emilia-inspired institution, I fostered vibrant learning communities, integrating innovative approaches like classroom gardens to connect children with nature and community. My expertise extends to consulting, designing spaces, and collaborating with schools, universities, and community partners. I consistently blend design thinking with pedagogical approaches to create enriching environments.
My passion for the pedagogy of food leads me to work alongside chefs, educators, and others to promote food care and sustainability with children, including facilitating working sessions in schools. I've conducted extensive research, participated in numerous study groups across Reggio Emilia, the U.S., and Canada, and led professional learning initiatives for educators. My work in education across Canada,US, and internationally has involved collaborating directly with a diverse range of educators, schools, and early learning agencies. For years, I've had the privilege of fostering professional growth and innovative practices through a variety of engaging formats, including comprehensive seminars, focused study groups, and hands-on sessions. Some of the key areas I've explored with educators include Design Thinking, Pedagogy of Care, Food Pedagogies, Pedagogical Documentation, and Thinking Alongside Materials.
Committed to sharing knowledge, I engage in podcast interviews with educators across Canada and the U.S., lead live studio webinars and seminars, and develop modules for educators to ignite their curiosity. I am the author of the Acorn Mini Books, a contributed author to Beautiful Stuff from Nature, and the author of upcoming books (titles to be announced soon! ) .My dedication to outdoor learning is further reflected in my role as Chair of the York Region Nature Collaborative (yrnature.ca), a volunteer initiative improving access to nature programs.
If you share our passion for transformative education, we invite you to explore Acorn Collaborative and join us .
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I look forward in connecting! rosalba@acorncollaborative.com