The Great Wall
The logs had to be turned just so, the children heaved them into place, connecting them in a great and steady loop, wedging in bricks and smaller logs to stop the logs from rolling. Surely you could see this from outer space too they declared. I spread my arms wide, "Here it is! Our philosophy of education embraces risk!" was all I could think to say.
Check "It" At the Door
I am not painting my hair on paper or otherwise, the children are. She caught me up in a truth. These are the kind of moments that I both treasure and dread. The moments when the "it" is caught up by one of the children or the parents and all "its" layers of intended, imagined, and perceived shininess are peeled away.
Alone and Together, Just The Thing You Need
Children seek solitude, some children NEED solitude. Imagine the joy that an introverted child finds in the open context of the outdoors. And those who need to connect with others, they will find each other. The "come on, let's run together" left unspoken because the forest trail has said it for them.
A Place Where Everyone Knows Your Name
In the end, talking and listening in a group setting is, as any teacher will tell you, a delicate balance. In order to bring it into balance, begin with adjusting the central pillar, the teacher's perspective rather than individual and group dynamics.
Turn Left at the Bike Bridge
It was abundantly clear on that day and every day since, that we are challenged as educators to show how we teach "the essentials", what those essentials are, and to send the message, I am teaching your child when we . . . Go to the forest, for example.