We have some Wonderful experiences that are offered to children (and caregivers) at The Wonder Studio.
Your child can get messy...Your child can be creative...Your child can socialize...
However, I think the reason most people keep coming back to Wonder Studio (just my opinion folks ;)
is the Respect we show young children.
We try to make clear that we treat children's play (or work as they prefer it to be called) very seriously here.
We understand that to the child, his/her work is meaningful and important.
Hence, why I often try to limit my use of the word "Cute" or "adorable". I find these words belittle the important learning that is taking place within the child(ren).
At The Wonder Studio, I ask the children/caregivers to call the teachers by our first names.
Sometimes, parents are uncomfortable with this and ask to put the Miss/Mrs. in front of Shannon or Alison.
That's ok...I respect that.
But, one of the reasons I prefer to just be called Shannon is that I want the child to feel on equal terms with me.
I am learning with the child. Each day is new and I find that I am always eager to learn something new.
While, I love making connections with the children, I am NOT the giver of knowledge.
I am his/her partner.
I am on this journey with him/her.
I am the witness to the beauty and joy as the child discovers and learns.
The RIE method of care giving and teaching has always felt in line with my personal philosophy.
Here are the basic principles: more of which you can read here:
http://www.janetlansbury.com/2013/12/rie-parenting-basics-9-ways-to-put-respect-into-action/
1. We communicate authentically. We speak in our authentic voices (though a bit more slowly with babies and toddlers), use real words and talk about real things, especially things that directly pertain to our babies and that are happening now. We encourage babies to build communication skills by asking them questions, affording them plenty of time to respond, always acknowledging their communication.
2. We invite babies (and toddlers/teenagers) to actively participate in caregiving activities like diapering, bathing, meals and bedtime rituals and give them our full attention during these activities. This inclusion and focused attention nurtures our parent-child relationship, providing children the sense of security they need to be able to separate and engage in self-directed play.
3. We encourage uninterrupted, self-directed play by offering even the youngest infants free play opportunities, sensitively observing so as not to needlessly interrupt, and trusting that our child’s play choices are enough. Perfect, actually.
4. We allow children to develop motor and cognitive skills naturally according to their innate timetables by offering them free play and movement opportunities in an enriching environment, rather than teaching, restricting or otherwise interfering with these organic processes. Our role in development is primarily trust.
5. We value intrinsic motivation and inner-directedness, so we acknowledge effort and take care not to over-praise. We trust our children to know themselves better than we know them, so we allow children to lead when they play and choose enrichment activities, rather than projecting our own interests. We encourage our children’s passions and support them to fulfill their dreams.
6. We encourage children to express their emotions by openly accepting and acknowledging them.
7. We recognize that children need confident, empathic leaders and clear boundaries, but not shaming, distractions, punishments or time out.
8. We allow children to problem-solve and experience and learn from age-appropriate conflicts with our support.
9. We understand the power of our modeling and recognize that our children are learning from us through our every word and action about love, relationships, empathy, generosity, gratitude, patience, tolerance, kindness, honesty and respect. Most profoundly, they’re learning about themselves, their abilities and their worth, their place in our hearts and in the world.
