The Power of Observation & Listening

During the holidays, my family and I spent many days at the river enjoying the beauty of nature and taking the time simply be still.  Last year we welcomed Bella into our family, a black cocker spaniel who is highly relational and has a keen eye to observe and wait.  She is rather anxious so rarely leaves our side, but there was a moment where she was not aware of our absence and became fixated on a butterfly.  As it fluttered into our backyard, Bella tracked it with her eyes until it landed gently on the grass. For 10 minutes, she carefully and quietly followed the butterfly as it took flight and landed again.  In moments like these, I wish we were able to listen to the interactions of God's creations and share in their connection.

Observation and listening are powerful drivers behind how we engage with children.  At Curiosity, we embrace the Reggio Emilia Principles that frame the way we engage with children and reflect upon our own experiences.  

The Principle of 'Listening' is a posture of appreciation as we value the words that children share with us as their agency is promoted.

The Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange is an organisation that we are affiliated with and engage with their publications and professional learning workshops.  A recent publication shares clearly around the practice of listening.

"In participated education, an active attitude of listening between adults, children and the environment is the premise and context of every educational relationship.  Listening is an ongoing process that nurtures reflection, welcoming and openness towards oneself and others; it is an indispensable condition for dialogue and change.  The attitude of listening raised the threshold of attention and sensitivity toward the cultural, values related and political scenarios of the contemporary world."

My hope is that as your child engages with our educators, their peers and the environment that they will feel nurtured, welcomed and appreciated for who they are as active citizens.