Go with the child development flow

You know how fun it is to float down stream on a canoe, right?  The scenery flows by.  Clouds float overhead.  You’re relaxed.   The trip is effortless!  But have you ever tried to float upstream?  It’s like night and day…furious paddling…sweating…you NEVER notice the scenery!

We think that teaching children and young people is much like being in a canoe.

When the adult in the canoe considers the developmental needs of the children that he’s teaching, it’s like a trip down stream.  On the other hand, if the adult arranges the environment (and the schedule) without stopping to consider what his children need to grow and develop…he’s headed up stream.  There will be furious paddling.  There will be sweating.  No one will notice any scenery!

At the Dekko Foundation we want to invest in some trips down stream.

The ideas won’t apply to everyone, but you’ll be able to apply these good thoughts to your work with children and youth of any age!

Let us know what you’re thinking on this topic and others!  Email us at: dekko@dekkofoundation.org

3 replies
  1. Sharon
    Sharon says:

    I have been in both situations…where children are getting their needs met and when they are not. I like floating down stream any day!

    Reply
  2. Ashlee
    Ashlee says:

    What a fun way to think about child development! Makes me want to go to Gene Stratton-Porter historic site to actually go canoeing!

    Reply

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