Very Special Greetings,
I have been thinking a lot about all of our beautiful children here at St. John the Baptist and I have observed just how our parents value their dear children. The more children know you value them, that you consider them extraordinary people, the more willing they will be to listen, and afford others the same esteem.
The same is true with teachers…the more appropriate teaching is based upon knowledge of them, the more eager children will be to learn from teachers. And…the more children learn, the more extraordinary they become.
As parents and teachers, we should be able to see that all children are wonderful in their own way. We should also see why believing so is vital for successful teaching and learning. In truth, children are looking for adults who know them, who appreciate what in them is special, who will nurture and help them harness those special qualities. This discovery process takes time and digging. Even in children whose natural wonder lies right on the surface where it is easily seen and enjoyed. And…of course, we all know children whose specialness is somewhat hidden. Yet, these young people have a “wonderfulness” in them waiting to be discovered and nurtured. As their parent and their teacher, we have a responsibility to them and an opportunity for ourselves to find it.
The first question we must answer is this. Why is our finding wonder in every child we know so very important? The answers are many. However, if we can not say we just “love” being around children, watching them interact, seeing their “wheels turn” as they learn, and like listening to them and and hearing the conclusions they reach, we are missing the build-on, everyday joys of being a parent and educator.
Young people have an uncomplicated way of approaching life that is refreshing as they experience countless “firsts.” Watching them navigate these passages can be exhilarating and enlightening, and they usually respond positively to someone who reaches out positively to them.
The second question we must answer is…Why is it very important to children that we see wonder in them? Is it so The answer is because children are in a continuous path of self-discovery. They absorb adult reactions to them and gain confidence through these messages or begin to feel smaller and less able through them. Consciously or subconsciously, children are looking for adults who can see their specialness…primarily when they cannot see or find it. Adults who are able to communicate approval, confirmation, and joy over the qualities they see in children give validation, confidence and encouragement. Better still, they give children the desire to want to learn more from their teachers and parents.
There are countless possibilities built into each and every child we come in contact with…either at home or in school. The wonder of children is the key reason we interact as Teachers and Parents. We have eyes that see through the surface “armor” that clothes some children …revealing splendid potential just waiting to be unlocked. Then…these beautiful Little Ones become even more extraordinary.
God Bless All of Our Dear Parents. Thank you for all you do for your children and for us in finding the wonder in these wonderful children.
May God Be With You,
Dr. Nina Beck