Runa

“If [the preschool teacher] is well read in theories of development and instruction, and well supplied with human empathy, the result can be a rare blend of science and humanism.”
― Michael Cole

“Noticing the potential message in children's behaviors and responding appropriately and respectfully is our aim. Reflecting upon Becky's enclosing and tying-up of her toys, it is clear that she needed the freedom to safely express herself without judgment and for an adult to interact and not interfere. Many adults seek to control children's play or stop them if they see a child playing in ways they deem inappropriate.”
― Cath Arnold, Schemas in the Early Years

“Moments like these underline the importance of adults reserving their own personal judgments and accepting the child's wishes and actions. Awareness of potential schematic underpinnings also help us value and appreciate behaviors so that we can accept what the child may be showing us. Although firm conclusions can rarely be drawn, reflections remind us of the potentially multiple benefits of schematic actions for a child, and also the value in repetitive behaviors which tend to be labeled as negative. Educators should remain curious about a child's seeds of inquiry and make more such opportunities available to meet this need.”
― Cath Arnold, Schemas in the Early Years

“There is a secret about the scientific method which every scientist knows and takes as a matter of course, but which the layman does not know...The secret is this: Science cannot utter a single word about the individual molecule, thing, or creature in so far as it is an individual, but only in so far as it is like other individuals.”
― Walker Percy