Wonder Studio Creating Refuge for Childhood…
A poem written by Shannon about the Students at Wonder Studio:
I am looking for safe spaces.
Times to slow down in.
I am one who seeks.
A pilgrim hunting
inspiration, wisdom, and refuge.
Refuge from distractions.
I need openings for heart, calm, and vision
so that I can change the world one day.
I am part of an online professional development for Early Childhood Teachers, called “The Studio for Playful Inquiry”. The theme for this month is Refuge.
It makes me wonder…
How are we (our Wonder Studio Community) creating spaces of refuge for children? What does that mean?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Below are some of my thoughts…
Why would young children need a place of refuge?
Refuge from what?
Technology - and the constant distractions their adults are faced with. This is why it’s so important for our continued commitment at Wonder Studio to be a Tech-Free area. Our caregivers are present and connected.
Judgements - Wonder Studio is a NON-Judgement zone. Children are free to be themselves, make mistakes, and make a mess of things. Adults too are allowed to make mistakes!!
Didactic Learning - we are not about Passive learners. Wonder Studio is child-led, meaning, they are choosing where they want to explore, how long they want to explore there, and the teacher/caregiver is following their lead in what she observes they are next ready for. Adults are co-learning with the children, eager to be the child’s partner in curiosity and wonder.
These are just my musings from today. I hope we can brainstorm about this inquiry together this week at our first week of Wonder Studio classes!!
