Friday
Aug262011
Teaching kids
August 26, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Jozica 
Some people think that if you're working with kids as a teacher, therapist, social worker etc., it's your job to teach them as much as you can. But it's not always like this. Actually, it's rarely like this. Usually our roles change and kids become our teachers, we learn from them. I can assure you that this is true; even after years of working with kids in kindergarten, schools, at workshops or after working with children, the victims of crime, nothing has changed, at least not for me. I've learned so much from the kids I’ve worked with and I’m still learning – every day.
The most important thing I've learned from the kids was how to be a better observer. How to see all the details, 'observe' with all five senses, not only with eyes. Remember, if you ever get lost in a shop or somewhere, your kid will describe you to a policeman with such a precision, that they will find you in no time. Lucky you, you don’t have to worry that nobody would find you, ever!
Kids also taught me how to focus. Focus on one thing only at the time and not paying attention to other things around me. They showed me how to explore everything in depth, until all the questions are answered. And letting my curiosity out when it wants to go out.
I've learned from the kids how to be happy about things that I like and how to show the happiness to the others. Not only with a smile, but with the whole body and soul. To celebrate little moments in my daily life and to see the World from a different perspective.
And the most interesting thing the kids taught me was how to simplify my words, instructions and descriptions (well, I’m still at the beginning of this learning phase). No need to make a big deal out of something, just using a few words and gestures to tell something and be more efficient than using a million words.
I guess I’ll be learning from them until I will work with them as a teacher or therapist. I will be their student for life – there will always be something to learn from them.
How about your kids - what did they teach you over the years? Do you see them as your teachers?
So, I would like to dedicate this post and say thanks to all the kids, who were fantastic teachers to me, very patient and gentle, who lead me to become a better person and who showed me how to live life with an open heart…
You were and are the best teachers ever!
Reader Comments (14)
Yes - children are the most wonderful of teachers. They have a way of making us see the world thru their fresh and innocent eyes. Lucky you - to have the opportunity to 'teach' those who teach you write back!
"A little child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6) comes to mind, Jozica. If we didn't have children around us, I wonder what we would look like!
When I worked with Alzheimer's residents in assisted living years ago, we often made sure children and animals (cats and dogs) were available. They did wonders. Just today, on the way to the grocery store, my soul leapt for joy in seeing twin boys, around age 2, holding hands while walking with their mom. They were talking to each other so sweetly and I wanted to weep with joy!
You've really triggered many memories and thoughts for me with this post...but I'll have to say I've never yet learned the one about fewer words to say something!
We can learn a lot from them, and they from us, it is all interaction
And then the reward of the kids you knew when they were small becoming adults and becoming more than you had ever imagined - the lesson of unbounded potential that is available to all of us is not to be missed ....
less has and always will be more...okay, unless it's chocolate.
loved the image and the precise and precious post.
This is so true. One of the best experiences of motherhood is that I have (and continue to) learn from my children. Whenever I would say "I didn't know that" or "you just taught me something" they would get the most incredible smiles on their faces and you could see the joy and the pride. Sometimes they were small things but those small things have such a huge impact on their sense of self confidence and self worth.
It's an important part of being a parent isn't it? Teaching when they are young, learning from them when they get older. Beautiful thoughts!
Children are our teachers is so many ways. My own children taughtt me how to be patient. The children I work with are teaching me to be more playful and to see the world with brand new eyes.
Very thoughtful post,Jozica :-)
Hmm...I just posted something but it didn't take.
Oh well...I love this sentiment Jozica! I have always felt (since becoming a mother) that my sons have proven to be my truest and daily gurus.
They teach me each and every day hot to become a better, more authentic person!
i love this and you are so right; who are we to think we, as adults, know it all. children, with their minds that absorb like sponges are new to everything and of course see it with fresh eyes. so true that we can learn from them.
I am never round children very often but when I am they always teach me something :-)
I love your image.
One very important lesson I learned from my students while teaching school was the freedom to explore the possibilities. An example -- when computers entered the scene, most adults were afraid they would 'break' the computer; the students explored the possibilities! And my goodness, what possibilities computers have to this day!
I'm with you, Jozica! Kids can be FANTASTIC teachers...if we will just pay attention!
So true, Jozica. I've learned so much from my daughter - she pretty much taught me to be a better person.
yes, i am always striving to maintain just a bit of that childish wonder that i have learned from children. i love the way they see the world, love the lack of pretension, love the open-minded play.
what a great photo, and a great reminder to keep striving to see the world through their eyes.