More than Just Floors
Generated from a January 2023 journal entry…
So we’re moving…and soon we will be updating parts of our new home. The other day we went to the floor decor store to pick out a few sample planks of flooring.
I laid them on the floor at our apartment to help with the decision making process. The boys have been rolling cars on the sample planks, lining up dinosaurs and everything else in between.
This morning I asked my 6 year old “which floor color do you like?”
He paused and said “well…do you like the floor that’s at our apartment right now?”
… one of the planks we picked out is nearly identical to the flooring at the apartment..
I said..”wait, answer my question first, which one do you like?”
He shut down a little and responded “ You and daddy are picking out the floors and I don’t know which one is your favorite.”
Not sure if you’re following what’s happening here so let me break it down:
My 6- year wants to know which is my favorite because that’s the one he planned to choose at his favorite too
Maybe he feels like he doesn’t actually have a voice in this situation because at the end of the day he feels that the adults will choose the floor. (This almost reminds me of compliance.. and conformity.. the need to fit in or please others.. the opposite of belonging— all of which is a topic for an entirely different post)
I explained to him… you don’t have to like the same things as me. Sometimes we may like the same things and sometimes we won’t. We are totally different people. Although you’re reminded (by others) that a lot of your traits and even how you look are similar to me… you are yourself. It’s ok if we don’t like the same floor, we’re allowed to like different ones. I like hearing about the things you like and listening to your ideas.
He let out a sigh and pointed to the lighter brown plank (which is my least favorite) but of course I did not share that… this was a moment I chose to listen for listening purposes and not to respond.
Shortly after this brief interaction, I thought about how this transfers to teaching and learning in the classroom.
Things to consider in terms of student-centered environments:
What type of decision making are kids involved in? How often?
When students are speaking and sharing ideas, opinions and experiences are their voices valued? (by both the teacher and their peers)How do you know?
What does student voice look and sound like in your class?
How are kids involved in the process of their learning?
How often are kids prompted to share about themselves and the connections they’re making with the learning?
The takeaway: Our kids are taking in everything about us: our actions, our words, everything. Who do we want to be for them? I’m reminded to create and nurture spaces that affirm that they can show up and be themselves. At home and at school. Our kids have voices … and they matter. Our kids' choices matter. Our kids matter.
Do you believe in the value of storytelling & idea sharing? show some love & support!
