Children do not appear with a printed calendar, as on packets of seeds, to advise us when a given concept will germinate for them and burst into flower. —Vivian Paley, The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter
Watching the crocuses and daffodils valiantly poking through the hardened winter soil reminds me of the patience of nature. Long-dormant peepers, insects, and all manner of flora have been waiting patiently for just the right amount of light, water, and warmth to make their appearance. Amazingly, each knows exactly what it needs to grow, develop, and blossom, exactly like children. We can’t force children to learn; we can only provide the appropriate environment filled with the rich nutrients of materials to support their budding independence. We can’t coerce children to engage in activities; we can only make the activities so compelling that children can’t help but want to experience the self-discovery of learning.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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