Follow the Child
Follow the child.
Easier said than done right?
Many people assume, "following the child or “child-led” means chaos. I’m here to tell you, it’s the EXACT OPPOSITE! When children are in charge of their learning…they are
engaged
motivated
eager
willing
capable
helpful
One day a child brought some celery (lots of it) to feed the pigs. One bunch was still great to eat, and another boy suggested we make some soup. I acknowledged his suggestion but quickly dismissed it, saying that would be a good idea for next week. Then the other boys all agreed and said with excitement , “No, let’s make it today!” Now, this is where, as parents & educators we have a choice. Do we hold fast & hard to our first response or do we follow the lead of the child and agree? I had all the ingredients for soup. I just didn’t have them prepared and outside. Was this going to stop us? Absolutely not! So we worked together to set up a table, bring out the propane fire pit and a grate. We gathered the ingredients (potatoes, butternut squash, peppers, celery, a jar of tomatoes, and a jar of yellow beans, and an onion) and selected a spice combination at the recommendation of the children! We used a “Shish kebab” “Za’atar” & “Gingerbread” and fresh garlic. We brought out a kettle filled with water, a soup pot, a ladle, a stirring spoon, jars to fill with soup, cutting boards, grater, knives & oven mitts. We were ready!
There were no arguments over who was going to use what tool, there was only cooperation! I was not nervous about them using the kitchen tools because I demonstrated “how” and corrected if it was being used in an unsafe way.
The children made this soup, which they called “Pirate Soup”! It had big chunks and small chunks and it is perfect because they made it! And they were equally as happy to take some home to share with their families. When we follow the child we validate their ideas, we offer respect for their contribution, and we have a lot of fun together!
My invitation to you is to follow your child. When your child has an idea to do something, stop to consider what is really holding you back from doing it right then. If it is something that can be done, welcome the spontaneity of it and go with it. You will be creating a core memory for you and your child.
