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Welcome to the New Year

The beginning of a new year in an educational setting is always an exciting time as we meet many new children that join our workshops and programs. The past few weeks have been a time for reflection on the past year and planning for the New Year.

It is a time to stop and take note, evaluate the activities we have done, and ask: How do we go forward and improve on what we offer?

  

We as educators and therapists cook up new ideas, plan exciting activities and acquire wonderful tools via reading and training ourselves. And then we wait… The classroom door is wide open and we can already hear the sound of little footsteps and children’s voices approaching.

When the children enter the space, everything is new and different again. We have to change, adapt and transform our ideas according to the needs of the children we work with.

Every child comes with his or her own unique make up, thoughts, emotions, experiences and personality. Every child we meet brings their own strength, needs, skills and challenges. It is our job to listen and observe until we can feel, hear and see the inner world of the child so we can understand the child in front of us and our own role as educators.

 

We are starting the New Year with the vision to offer and create safe spaces for children where they can meet themselves; where they can feel positive, loved and acccepted just as they are. With this vision we move forward into the New Year.

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus

by Regina Broenner