The child is rich in resources, strong and competent. —Carlina Rinaldi, Reggio Emilia educator and professor of early education
What does it mean to be competent? Able, capable, knowledgeable. Do you see children as competent and capable of being in charge of their own learning? Or, do you see them as needy and vulnerable, waiting for adults to provide for their every need? When we view children as strong and competent learners, our role shifts, as does the richness of curriculum we know they deserve. A very competent fourth grader once said to me, “You know, you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know it!” Young children certainly don’t know everything, but they do know that they want to learn more about the world, to explore real things, and to make their own discoveries. Watch the children carefully, and you will notice what a rich resource they are, informing the curriculum you create together.
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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