This Is a Warm Place

It's a snow day here in DC, and I've decided to (attempt to) be productive and start some of my readings and research for my upcoming theory paper on the Four Planes of Education. As I was reading, this quote about the first plane caught my particular attention

"In this environment the child who during this phrase is so fragile, becomes gentle and attractive. Surrounded as he is by beauty and tranquility, he feels a sense of being protected; for all danger is far from him. He develops kindliness, a sensitive appreciation of tranquility and peace and love for his fellow-creatures and - one might say - for the whole universe, that he wants to give others the peace and security that he feels. He will, if he has religious experience, pray that others may have the peace and protection that he enjoys." (From AMI Communications, 1969)

What a lovely description of a normalized child! Though, what struck me most was the idea that the child feels safe and protected and wants to pass on this feeling to others. This is particularly pertinent to my classroom. Many of the children in my class come from "unstable homes." (I HATE that phrase and I'm sorry for using it. Unfortunately, it encapsulates the point I'm trying to make) I'd venture to say that there are many times when they don't feel safe. Or, they have developed such a thick skin that there are situations where they definitely should feel unsafe, but no longer are. Many of my little ones have extremely strong survival skills. I probably wouldn't last a day in their mini shoes.

Having said this, it's always been a priority for me to make my classroom warm, welcoming and inviting. I've struggled in the past with whether or not I was truly doing this. I've also wondered whether or not it was making a bit of difference either.

I'm beginning to see, though, this year that some children may see our classroom as a haven. I only have little bit of proof, but I'm going to hope that it is an indication that our classroom community is headed in the right direction. I have a little boy who can get quite angry sometimes. He's been kicked out of other environments. He's even had his spats with me. However, his actions have subsided greatly over the past few months. Coinciding with his calming down, he has started randomly coming up to me and hugging me at various points in the day. He doesn't say anything. Just gives a hug and walks away.

I'm hoping that this a little thank you from a child who feels happy, safe and warm.