Humanity

Ever wonder what it might look like if kids weren't forced to say "I'm sorry"?
What kind of culture would shape up if we, as adults, didn't shame children into feeling bad about trying stuff that didn't work well?
What happens when we, as adults, advocate for child each without making authoritarian judgments about the situation?
What if we, as adults, modeled what we hoped children would do, with sincerity, awareness, and teamwork?

 Take a peek:

Children care.  They want to help their friends. It feels good to be the one to come up with a plan that works.

"He's using that, so it's not available..."

"I have an idea!  I can help you find another one!  Ok?"

Children notice each other.  What each child needs to feel better takes priority.

G falls.  M offers to check his knees.

G, still sad about the fall, has friends who notice and come over to check in.  "Do you need a hug or kiss or space?"

Children feel free to express their feelings.  Others relate to these feelings.  Everyone feels seen and heard and understood.

Child:  "I got wet!" (Another child, T, had offered this pink hat to see if it helped.  It didn't.)

Teacher:  "Yes, I can see some mud right here on your knee."  Another child, S, has joined the conversation and offers condolences:  "Oh man!  I got wet, too.  Right here on my tights."

Today is a big day!  Change is upon us.  Love is valued.  Hope is in the air.
And with these children forging the path to the future, I feel so very, very happy inside.