In a world where children are constantly bombarded with information and expectations, it can be difficult for them to find their own voices and develop a strong sense of self. The book "Joining Children" offers a unique approach to helping children navigate these challenges and discover their true potential.
Written by educators and authors Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Michelson, "Joining Children" is a practical guide for parents and educators who want to create a more supportive environment for children.
5 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 52316 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 253 pages |
What is Joining?
Joining is a way of being with children that is based on respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from them. It involves spending time with children on their level, observing them carefully, and listening to them with an open heart.
When adults join children, they create a space where children feel safe to be themselves and to explore their world. This can lead to a number of benefits for children, including:
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved communication skills
- Greater confidence
- A stronger sense of community
- A lifelong love of learning
How to Join Children
Joining children is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Here are a few tips for joining children:
- Be present. When you are with children, be fully present and engaged. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and give children your undivided attention.
- Be curious. Ask children questions about their interests, their thoughts, and their feelings. Listen to their answers with an open heart.
- Be respectful. Treat children with respect, even when they are challenging. Remember that they are individuals with their own thoughts and feelings.
The Benefits of Joining Children
Joining children has a number of benefits for both children and adults. For children, joining can help them to:
- Develop a strong sense of self
- Build healthy relationships
- Learn to communicate effectively
- Cope with stress and challenges
- Develop a lifelong love of learning
For adults, joining children can help them to:
- Reconnect with their own inner child
- Learn from children's unique perspectives
- Develop a greater sense of empathy
- Find joy and meaning in life
"Joining Children" is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to create a more supportive environment for children. By following the principles of joining, adults can help children to develop a strong sense of self, build healthy relationships, and learn to communicate effectively. In ng so, they can help children to reach their full potential and create a more just and compassionate world.
About the Authors
Paula Polk Lillard is a professor emerita of early childhood education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is the author of numerous books and articles on early childhood education, including "Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood" and "Children's Worlds: A Framework for Early Childhood Education.
Lynn Michelson is an early childhood educator and author. She is the co-author of "Joining Children: A Quest for Clarity, Courage, and Community" and "The Creative Curriculum for Preschool: A Foundation for Early Learning."
