Hello Families,
The teachers and I have been reflecting
on the events of the summer and giggling in the retelling of the stories about
camping trips in the forest, bike riding accomplishments, water play and cake
days! It was a great summer wasn’t
it? Kathryn shared a story with us about
one of the children’s sense of history while at Creative Minds. We were astounded to hear that the young
child could retell, in order, the units of inquiry that have taken shape over
the last 2 years! Can you imagine
it? I can’t even name them all in
order. It may be because his mother has
copies of all of the photo journals but I don’t think that explains it
all. I think part of this spectacular
re/membering comes from the child’s complete immersion in the moments of play,
conversation and exploration alone and with others. It seems to me that while we are busy
photographing, collecting and recording there is a part of us that is removed from
the event. I’m sure you have noticed
this too as you video record or photograph your children’s special events. It made me wonder. There is a emphasis at Creative Minds
on recording the learning process in order to develop reflective practice, to
support the children’s unique and individual learning needs and to celebrate
with children and families, the wonderful events that grow out of our time together. This seems reasonable, purposeful and
important to continue. In the middle of
this thinking I came upon a quote from one of my favouite authors, Toni Morrison. She wrote, in Tar Baby,
"At some point in life the
world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph, paint or even
remember it. It is enough. No record of it needs to be kept and you don't need
someone to share it with or tell it to. When that happens — that letting go —
you let go because you can."
I
am reminded to take the time, like our young learner, to be with the beauty of the moment.
To let it sit with me, wash over me and become part of me.
As
we ask you to bring in photos of your child know that we are making this request while
holding Morrison’s thought of the beauty of the moment in mind.
Wishing
you all a restful long weekend.
Kate
