Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.
—John Betjeman, poet
I worry that quantifying the learning of young children will begin to drive curriculum. How does one measure the joys of childhood? What is the quota of wonder, delight, and curiosity that children should experience on a daily basis and how does one measure it? How do we quantify nurturing relationships? To what degree do we quantify our interactions, conversations, and time spent with children? What is the appropriate ratio of touch time and one-to-one interaction? If children are the measure of our success, what data do we use: laughter, tears, gasps, joys, sorrows, dreams, wonder, discovery, more questions than answers?
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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