When you teach a child something, you take away forever his chance of discovering it for himself.
—Jean Piaget, developmental psychologist
Chance is an opportunity for children to create, manipulate, and discover. As you create lesson plans, how do you allow for chance? Notice if your experiences give the children opportunities to invent, construct, and discover their own meanings. In our determination to be good teachers, we often teach instead of allowing children to be in charge of their own learning. For many teachers, this approach sounds risky and perhaps irresponsible, but the real teacher sees herself as a provider of plentiful materials and opportunities, one who watches, listens, and notices, modeling her own curiosity and engaging in mutual inquiry. Step into the background and allowing for uncertainty. Trust and respect children and yourself enough to allow for chance.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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