Bruises and grazes from nature are learning marks.
Often, adults say to a crying child with a scraped knee, It's okay.You're fine." But I think it's an accumulated learning experience FROM THE CHILD to learn that it's okay and they're fine.
I also think not just their thoughts learn for the next time but their bodies also learn!
Moreover, it is a great natural opportunity to learn how to tend to our bodies, how to take care of others, and how to wait :)
I so agree that it is important that children learn to realise their own responses to bruises and scrapes. The most important thing an adult can do is to remain calm and not show anxiety about the accident, but to show interest and care as to how the children actually feel.
Hi Suzanne, I was out in the forest with kids today, and as they were running down a steep slippery hill, I shouted in a sing-song voice, "If you run, you may fall." I use that phrasing often and am not sure how I feel about using it. What do you think about that phrase?
I use this phrase sometimes too... mostly when I see that the children's play has meant they themselves have forgotten the possible consequences of their actions, and therefore I feel it's my responsibility to provide the information so they can make informed decisions as to whether to run or not to run, and that falling might be a part of the experience... and if they are OK with that, then they are welcome to continue.
Yes! Out in the forest, I frequently have the opportunity to check in with kids after they fall or say, "ouch!" They do the same for each other, and it so warms my heart when the littles check in with me after I've hurt myself. I think building a culture of care is one of the most important things we do as educators!
I build facilities that allow kids to do the things that most adults won’t allow kids to do. They take full responsibility for their actions and creations. A facilitator’s role is to allow them to get as close enough to danger that they get bit just enough to gain respect for the danger.
I love this so much!!!
Bruises and grazes from nature are learning marks.
Often, adults say to a crying child with a scraped knee, It's okay.You're fine." But I think it's an accumulated learning experience FROM THE CHILD to learn that it's okay and they're fine.
I also think not just their thoughts learn for the next time but their bodies also learn!
Moreover, it is a great natural opportunity to learn how to tend to our bodies, how to take care of others, and how to wait :)
I so agree that it is important that children learn to realise their own responses to bruises and scrapes. The most important thing an adult can do is to remain calm and not show anxiety about the accident, but to show interest and care as to how the children actually feel.
Hi Suzanne, I was out in the forest with kids today, and as they were running down a steep slippery hill, I shouted in a sing-song voice, "If you run, you may fall." I use that phrasing often and am not sure how I feel about using it. What do you think about that phrase?
I use this phrase sometimes too... mostly when I see that the children's play has meant they themselves have forgotten the possible consequences of their actions, and therefore I feel it's my responsibility to provide the information so they can make informed decisions as to whether to run or not to run, and that falling might be a part of the experience... and if they are OK with that, then they are welcome to continue.
Thanks, Suzanne, your rationale makes sense and helps me feel better about my reminders. I'll quote you in my journal entry for the day.
Yes! Out in the forest, I frequently have the opportunity to check in with kids after they fall or say, "ouch!" They do the same for each other, and it so warms my heart when the littles check in with me after I've hurt myself. I think building a culture of care is one of the most important things we do as educators!
I build facilities that allow kids to do the things that most adults won’t allow kids to do. They take full responsibility for their actions and creations. A facilitator’s role is to allow them to get as close enough to danger that they get bit just enough to gain respect for the danger.
Such an important post, thankyou for sharing