Like a butterfly emerging from her spring cocoon, so a child’s sense of identity comes forth. It is slow and requires coaxing. It peaks through one small portion at a time. It is a great risk. The energy is a palpable force of nature, as mysterious as the transformation.
Springtime is a lovely opportunity to consider another one of the : selfhood.
At Learn Forward we are exploring the five journeys by bringing in a variety of voices, teachers and parents. Those of us trying to focus on what matters most.
This week, ‘Teacher Jenn’ reminds us of the significant risks young children are taking on the journey of selfhood. She sees it through the eyes of the child. It is in the simplicity of donning shoes or painting rain showers. She names what they need most from us: encouragement.
I am welcoming Jenn Knourek’s thoughts to our Learn Forward community this week. Along with Jenn, I hope you can ‘see’ the time your child paints pink raindrops and exclaim, “Beautiful!”
Read more here.
From the , journal questions on selfhood include:
- When was the last time your child showed a growing sense of independence, agency, initiative, or creativity?
- How did you support their journey with safety?
- What are the areas of growth your child’s teacher is naming?
- How can you encourage your child’s growing independence more effectively?
For the sake of the children,
Karine