It’s Friday, and here I sit on the edge of the sandpit, observing the days activities unfold before me. This is the first week back after a term break and we are entering out second semester of the preschool year. As I sit reflecting on what transpires before me, my eyes begin to water. For me, the two most important goals I aim to achieve for each child within my care are, a spirit of ‘autonomy’ (independent self-governance), and ‘agency’ (being able to make their own choices and decisions and influence events within their own world). Of course that alone is not enough, we live in a social world. So secondary to this, I encourage the ‘4 ‘ives’ positive, collaborative, cooperative and interactive communication.
So… here I sit, recognizing that much of this, in a short space of time, has come to fruition. I am overcome with joy as I warmly admire these beautiful little children, the ‘gifts’ that I have been given. I know there is a smile on my face as I gaze upon a small group of children who are hiding from a dragon amongst the bushes. Then I feel an arm around my shoulder and a small body leaning in against me. It is Master L and he has followed my gaze and is smiling too. I cannot believe how fortunate I am. This is not a job, it is THE ultimate vocation!
So here is a sneak peek of Friday 20 July 2012:
S and B cook together in the sandpit, breaking up seed-pods, adding water, sand, lemon juice and a variety of plant materials.
Delicious!
T, E, C and B independently work on their woodwork projects while in deep conversation on a variety of topics. They are over-heard encouraging and complimenting each other on their achievements.
Z and S demonstrate a real spirit of teamwork and collaboration as they build their tower to the roof (a modified design on a previous project).
C and B can be found inside deeply engaged in interactive fantasy play.
T and C create visual art together. C demonstrates great strength in the visual-spatial domain and this has been recognized by her peers. She loves to engage in ‘peer tutoring’ and her warm, caring disposition enables her to be very effective in this role.
Without doubt, this day will linger in my mind as a wonderful testament to my own ‘vision of the child’ as being exceedingly capable of taking charge of their own learning. Sure, I offered the provocations (based on emerging interests), but each child took hold of the reigns and determined their own learning journey. I feel so humbled by their brilliance!
I am reminded of two of my favorite quotes:
… and from Mother Teresa.
This quote from Mother Teresa hangs on my bedroom wall and is the first thing I open my eyes to each morning.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Like, like, like! 🙂
Thanks Candy. 🙂
Love it Karen, I am so with you on the realisation that we have the best jobs ever! Somedays I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe my ‘luck’. I love the tower ot the roof photo – my class last year loved to just climb up on the blocks as high as possible, rather than actually ‘build’ with them – it must be a great feeling for them at this age to be so high.
Absolutely Kierna. I have really loved watching the two boys who built this tower grow and develop in their time at preschool. These blocks have been one of their main focuses over the last 6 months and they have developed some amazing engineering and problem-solving skills. 🙂
Oh Karen,
How wonderful, I know you were proud but they arrive there because of you, your reward for the effort and time you put in, that block tower is amazing. Go boys. Go Karen.
Thanks Kay, you are too kind. 🙂
[…] Image source: Flights of Whimsy […]