“We find our allies by being vulnerable.”
– A conversation with a loved one.
In Shannon McDaniel’s work ‘The Educator I Once’ Was she tells a story of her experience with taking children out into nature. McDaniel reflects on the transformative journey. First, her initial hesitancy and discomfort while supervising the children as they explore the forest freely. Next, her awareness and vulnerability in asking for help and support from colleagues, which is met with warmth and wholehearted acceptance. Then, in her own time McDaniels is able to ease back into spontaneity alongside the children, trusting, and observing their processes with curiosity. Through this observation and reflection McDaniel poses some profound questions. Amongst them, this:
“Who are we responsible to?”
“Who are we responsible to?”
I sit in silence between breaths waiting for an answer to uncover itself.
To Parents? Teachers?
Bosses?
Peers?
The multitude of possibilities writhe around in my head.
“Who are we responsible to?”
The children?
Mother Nature?
Our community?
“Who are we responsible to?”
Tradition? Education? History?
Slowly the pieces begin to form patterns,
falling into place.
In personal reflection of this question, I draw parallels between McDaniel’s anecdote and the answers that come to mind.
I imagine the children in McDaniel’s writing, bounding through undergrowth, laying on the forest floor, constructing fortresses built from the inspiration bursting forth from their limitless imaginations. Joyously. Honestly. And I recall McDaniel. In open an honest connection and collaboration, plunging her bare feet into the cold and squishy mud to break the tension of uncertainty within the group.
Who were they responsible to?
The bugs in the dirt? Forest flora and fauna? The dirty socks to be laundered and the mopping to certainly be done upon returning indoors?
Maybe all of these things..
And maybe none of them.
“Inclusive learning and care supports the individual strengths and needs of each child, allowing them to meaningfully engage, learn, and contribute to the community and culture of their program.”
-BC ELF P.103
At any given time, within any experience, each individual carries their own perspectives and motivations. Children and adults alike. This intrinsic and intuitive drive has such potential to be a catalyst for a plethora of rich and impactful experiences. A bridge between the known and unknown. And in tandem with connection and collaboration, an almost immeasurable opportunity for growth and transformation.
So, breathe deeply…
Sit and listen,
Let your thoughts come and go however they so choose.
And inquire honestly:
“Who are we responsible to?”
“Who am I responsible to?”
You may be surprised what you will find.
You already know.