I stumbled across something today that resonated with me. It was a strong foundational "knowing" that has been present in me, but not put into words. This "knowing" is something that helps me resonate with the goings-on in the classrooms my children inhabit during the day.
For my kindergartner, it shows up in her class in the way of respect for each as an individual. Real respect and acceptance, the kind that acknowledges and accepts in a full way where each child is coming from and a validation that each place is an okay place for them to be. In her class, there is not an layer of oppressive expectation, by that I mean, "act this way and I, the teacher, will show you, the student that I approve of you." Instead, the approval is given freely and unconditionally, everyday. After a school year of being in this environment, I see a classroom of children who play harmoniously with each other. They model the acceptance that is being showered upon them on a daily basis. It's a beautiful thing to see. And it's real, and observable and you can feel it with your heart center. What a blessing.
In the first grade class, the goings-on look a bit different. At times, some students are a bit squirrely. During lesson times, there may be some moving around and talking out, all of which is redirected, but allowed. When they go on field trips, there isn't a list of "don't-do's" and an air of rules. Respectfulness is always expected but "stay with your partner", "were only going to look at each table for 3 minutes", or "don't get excited about the pile or free roaming balloons you see on the floor" are not expectations placed upon the students.
Some adults may not resonate with these environments, but I know that I very much do. And the reason is that I have a deep "knowing" about a tenement of all persons, my beautiful children included. That is, I trust in their ability to guide their own world well. I put faith into the belief that they can feel what feels best for them. When we get out of our own way, or out of our children's way, well-being is the premise of things. In the school setting that my children have the opportunity to be a part of, that belief that they already are a whole, thriving, creative, effective individual is at the heart of of all that is said and done. I can not think of anything I want more for my children than for them to have and bask in the belief that they already are that which is whole and good and complete.
