MR said, "WK, Im your best friend right? Who will been your friend when I'm gone?"
WK thoughtfully replied, "Hmm, DM will be my friend."
This thoughtful exploration of feelings has spread throughout the school and led every child to come to their own conclusions. What does it mean saying goodbye? What happens to your friendships when you leave? What happens when you go to another school?
These questions have been coursing through our heads in order to understand change in a healthy way.
These questions and more have moved through our school like a wave and as a result have accelerated many bonds and friendships in the past weeks. Transitions at our school have always been an invitation and part of a routine that almost seems like ceremony when everyone is included and uplifted by what is occuring. This has also seemed to translate into our next difficult transition: saying goodbye.
A week later M was still processing her friendship with W. "Am I still your friend? Who is your best friend? Who is your second best friend?" As we move through each of our good byes one by one children will continue to process. Their ability to feel safe in this environment and express their emotions helps them to feel at ease with the range of feelings that comes with saying goodbye to someone we love- whether it is for a very long time, a very short time, or always.
No comments:
Post a Comment