Last week we introduced our inquiry question;
Talking without words: How do children embody community through non-verbal communication?
As we have been collecting data, we have come across many moments of silent connection, many times that children embody their sense of belonging and community through gesture, facial expression, action and body language. What is important is not so much what they are doing (smiling, making eye contact etc), but their intention. Whilst as educators we can never truly know what children intend through these moments, we can make guesses based on our understanding and knowledge of the particular child, and the context in which these actions take place. We have to listen carefully, and listen more.
As we have listened, we have seen children demonstrate compassion and kindness as they bring children their belongings or comforters.
As we have listened, we have seen children seek belonging and connection through mimicry and imitation, and have this reciprocated.
As we have listened, we have seen children as active co-constructors of knowledge, observing and taking on the actions and perspectives of others and applying them within their play.
As we have listened, we have seen children seek and contribute to emerging relationships with educators though physical proximity, contact, affection and connection.
And as we continue to listen, we wonder what else we might see.
