Finding a sense of belonging within a group drives much of what we do each day. As we’ve begun to grow more comfortable with one another, our risk taking expands and we invite others to know us more.
Summer books were created by the children and their families before school began. These treasured books become a tool for connecting with one another. Initially sharing their books with their teachers, the children have slowly turned their interest towards sharing with others. What do we discover about each other? What do we share in common?
Rosalie looks through our basket of Summer books and finds Miles’ book for him. “It’s you! It’s you!
Charlotte, who is particularly fond of being with Julia chooses to spend time looking at her book alone. It’s important to note that Julia was absent this day. “She’s playing a game…”
Miles remarks to Travers as they look at Traver’s book together, “Who’s that?” to which Travers replies, “Oh, that’s my dad. I call him daddy.”
Charlie N. notes as she shares her book with another, “That’s the specialist page I have in my book! Cause I have all my sisters there.”
Ian invites Luca to notice a page in his book, “That’s me at the town pool.” While Luca does not immediately respond to Ian, he remains eager to connect. “Do you like my new shoes?” “Hey! I went to the town pool!” -Luca Connection! Ian adds, “We could go together sometime!”
Summer books are a resource the children will turn to frequently. However, as teachers we also see invitations for connection everywhere and in subtle ways.
We teachers also hear the word friend and the language of friendship tossed around loosely as connections are made. We find it important to pull back from our adult lens and really note what is happening. A joyful moment of relating and sharing a commonality can and will change as children play with the idea of friend.
