Brianna (aged 5) is a wonderful little artist, and she will tell you so! “I am an artist!”
By nature, Brianna is a quietly spoken, caring, gentle soul, so these words are not spoken with arrogance, but with a sweet smile and a self-assuredness that is just delightful to witness. It is not hard to respond with a, “Yes you are Brianna!”
There have been a handful of occasions in my teaching career where I have been ‘blown away’ by the special talents some children have displayed. Like a little boy called Mitchell, he is probably about 17 years old now, who was able to draw aerial plans of his home, the preschool and the outdoor playground with incredible detail and accuracy. And Jack, who could build almost anything with blocks, including on one occasion, a dinosaur with it’s internal skeletal structure intact! And a delightful little girl called Chloe, who demonstrated a level of leadership, guidance, empathy and compassion towards her peers, that really would have put many adults to shame.
Brianna’s Cat and Mouse
These anecdotes.constantly draw my thinking back to the Reggio Emilia view of, “The Image of the Child”. An image that respects children as autonomous, highly competent, resourceful, constructors and co-constructors of knowledge. As instrumental protagonists in their own learning. On reflection, I witness the truth of this view on a daily basis, and after many years of teaching, I am still struck with awe and wonder by the innate abilities of children. There is so much that we could learn from them!
Brianna’s Owl
I am also reminded of Howard Gardner’s theory of “Multiple Intelligences”, which for me, transposes in a symbiotic manner to Loris Malaguzzi’s “One Hundred Languages of Children”. Children are born with their own unique talents and learning styles, which can be identified and explored through careful observation and thoughtful reflection.
Brianna’s People
Brianna’s ‘preferred language’, has evolved from her clearly evident “Visual-Spatial Intelligence”. She is ‘art smart’!
Brianna’s Monkey
Brianna is very aware of of the appearance of objects within her environment: their finer details, shape, colour, texture and patterns. She loves to draw, paint and create designs and patterns with a variety of materials. She has a very active imagination and her creativity is astounding!
Brianna’s Crocodile
Have you experienced moments when you have been ‘blown away’ by the special talents of children?
Please feel free to share your experiences with me, I would love to hear about them 🙂
Thanks, Karen, for sharing Bryanna’s work with us, she really is an artist – Yes! Reggio and Gardner have so much to teach us – and so do the children. The excitement of discovering each new child as they walk though the door for the first time – what a privilege. We could all tell stories about so many children I am sure – One special child for me has been Thomas, who rap dances, tumbles and springs his way through the day. I have been lucky enough to know Thomas for 2 years as he came back to kinder for a second year – not for more time for his gross-motor skills, but they have really taken off this year. I also find that nearly all the other children are quite “pure” in their respect and admiration of these extra special children, they appreciate their gifts and their inspiration and often learn from them.
You are so right Louise! I think we all have memories of some fairly remarkable children!