One of the first things I found interesting with our group project were the choices made by the others on which methodology to study. Each of us chose our area of focus with no duplication. Not one of us said “Oh dang, I was going to pick that one”. We were a cooperative bunch right from the get-go.
Sylvia chose Waldorf . Waldorf, although it has existed for many years, seems to have only grown in popularity over recent years. I interpreted Sylvia’s choice to mean that she is open minded to new approaches even after her many years running her own successful child care centre. I was surprised to learn that Waldorf originally came to be after it was developed for children of factory workers. I wonder why this type of approach to learning was created for these children specifically? Is there a reason, or just coincidence?
Madison’s choice was Roots of Empathy. This one is close to my heart as my son was asked to be a Roots of Empathy baby when he was a few months old. We sadly had to give up our role in the project after enjoying several months due to my husband being deployed overseas for nine months and I couldn’t commit to the scheduling responsibilities – I went to stay with some family members out of town for an extended visit. I am happy to hear that Roots of Empathy is still being practised today.
Sarah’s area of focus was Young Parenting Programs. What a needed resource for younger parents! I did not have my children until I was in my thirties, thinking somehow that made me better prepared for the new responsibility parenthood brings. I don’t know that this actually made a difference because I was still a bundle of anxiety that first night home from the hospital! Imagine young parents facing the added pressures of not knowing whether or not they’ll be able to finish high school, find a home, or worse, being rejected by family members. Teen/young parents exist. Pretending they don’t is detrimental to our entire community. A hand up is not a hand out. I’m so proud our valley has a program to lift up our young parents and their children.