Ten years ago I had the privilege of serving as a developer for a program supporting families with young children. The program offered a drop-in play and learn space. Recently, I came across a file with photos that reminded me of how we always designed the environment with the intention of creating a beautiful space and inviting learning opportunities for both the child and the adult.
The following thinking from Anita Rui Olds, 1999, guided our thinking.
Children are miracles. Believing that every child is a miracle can transform the way we design for children’s care. When we invite a miracle into our lives, we prepare ourselves and the environment around us.
We may set out flowers or special offerings. We may cleanse ourselves, the space, or our thoughts of everything but the love inside us. We make it our job to create, with reverence and gratitude, a space that is worthy of a miracle! Action follows thought. We can choose to change.
We can choose to design spaces for miracles, not minimums.
Photos
Currently, I’m teaching in a Kindergarten classroom – these photos are a great reminder for myself to create spaces, experiences and invitations that are worthy of the young miracles I serve every day.
Happy Teaching and Learning,
Lynda
